Contact (entrance) gunshot wounds to the head often show large stellate defects, due to the explosive blast of the gases driven under the skin, with powder/soot blackening in the base of the wound.
Contact gunshot wounds are of great significance in the forensic setting, most often implying intentional self- inflicted injury, although close physical struggle and execution-style shootings must also be considered. these wounds always require accurate description, and close attention to the size, shape and appearance of the base and periphery of the wound.
Fig.1 Stellate gunshot wound.
Fig.2 The discharge of a weapon involves the release not only of a projectile but of hot gas under high pressure as well.
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