Which type of wound is typically described as having depth that exceeds length?

Stab wounds are characterized by a depth that exceeds their length. This is due to the nature of the weapon used, typically a sharp object, which is thrust into the body, creating a deep penetration. The resulting wound is often narrow and extends deeply into underlying tissues, organs, or cavities rather than spreading out horizontally.

In contrast, abrasions are superficial wounds that damage only the skin's outer layer and do not have significant depth. Incised wounds result from a clean cut, typically made by a sharp object, and while they can be deep, they often exhibit a longer length relative to their depth. Lacerations are traumatic wounds caused by blunt force that tears the skin and underlying tissues but do not conform to a reliable pattern of depth versus length like stab wounds do.

Thus, the defining characteristic of stab wounds being deeper than they are long makes them unique among the types of wounds listed.