Linear tears on face from the rapid expansion of departed gases from an intraoral gunshot

This individual committed suicide by an intraoral gunshot wound. In the tremendous force imparted by the expulsion of a projectile from a gun, notice the linear tears extending from the corners of his mouth and up along his nose. The discharge of a weapon involves the release not only of a projectile but of hot gas under high pressure as well. If the lips are sealed around the barrel, the rapid expansion of departed gases causes the cheeks and face to balloon far beyond their elastic capacity. This results in the characteristic tears seen in figures 1-2.

Fig.1 Suicide by intraoral gunshot wound. Note linear tears of the face.

In a contact shot fired anywhere on the head, the gases from the firing discharge can enter into the skull. This results in an acute build-up of intracranial pressure with the rigid cranium attempting to accommodate it by expansion. Gases under pressure accumulate inside the cranium and in the process of attempting to release this build-up of pressure, fractures will arise with outward expansion with outwards pushing of the fracture fragments and consent tears (lacerations) through the skin of the face as these sharp and tough bony fragments are pushed outwards. This is seen especially on the face and this produces facial distortion effects.

Fig.2 Exit wound.

Fig.3 This graphic depicts the dynamics of a firearm discharged into the mouth. The gases expand the cheeks of the victim causing the splitting around the lips.