What is defined as a part of the skin that has been lightly torn or scraped?

The correct answer is defined as an abrasion, which is a wound characterized by the outer layer of skin being scraped or damaged. Abrasions occur when the skin rubs against a rough surface, leading to a superficial injury that typically exposes the top layer of skin but does not penetrate deeply. This type of injury is common and generally heals relatively quickly since it affects only the superficial layers.

In contrast, other terms describe different types of injuries. An incision is a clean, straight cut made by a sharp object, often deeper and more pronounced than an abrasion. A laceration refers to a jagged or irregular tear in the skin, which can be deeper and more severe than an abrasion. A puncture is a wound caused by a pointed object penetrating the skin, which can also be quite serious depending on the depth and location of the injury. Understanding these distinctions helps in identifying and appropriately treating different types of skin injuries.