An extreme example of facial splitting from an intraoral discharge. Conspicuous splitting is noted along the paranasal and maxillary areas with extension to the outer angles of the mouth. 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 to balloon far beyond their elastic capacity. This results in the characteristic tears seen in the figure.
Fig.1 An extreme example of facial splitting from an intraoral discharge.
Fig.2 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.
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