What does the term 'closed' refer to when describing a wound?

The term 'closed' when describing a wound refers to a condition where the skin remains intact despite underlying tissue injury. This means that while the deeper layers of tissue or the structures beneath the skin may have sustained damage, the external layer of skin continues to protect the body from external contaminants, thus maintaining an unbroken surface.

This situation is commonly seen in injuries where bruising or contusions occur, for instance, in cases of blunt trauma. The skin’s integrity is crucial for preventing infections and allowing proper healing to begin beneath the surface. The other definitions provided do not accurately describe a 'closed' wound: an external and open wound indicates a break in skin integrity, healed wounds imply no longer a concern for current injury, and uninjured skin suggests no underlying issues exist, which does not align with the essence of 'closed' wound terminology.