Final answer:
A superficial wound is one that does not penetrate the skin, whereas a penetrating wound goes through the skin and may reach deeper tissues like muscles, increasing the risk for infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
A scratch wound that does not penetrate the skin is said to be a superficial wound. In contrast, a stab wound that penetrates the skin and muscle is referred to as a penetrating wound. The terminology used to describe these wounds reflects the severity and the potential for infections that microbes could cause. A superficial wound affects just the top layers of skin and often doesn't pose a high risk of infection.
However, a penetrating wound goes deeper and can cause more damage, provide a pathway for pathogens, and increase the risk of a more serious infection.