What does the term "contusion" refer to in medical terminology?

The term "contusion" is used in medical terminology to specifically describe a bruise. This occurs when small blood vessels under the skin break due to a direct impact or injury, leading to bleeding in the tissue and resulting in discoloration, swelling, and pain. Understanding this definition is important because it distinguishes a contusion from other types of injuries, such as fractures, sprains, and lacerations, each of which has its own specific characteristics and treatment approaches. A fracture involves a break in a bone, a sprain refers to the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, and a laceration is a deep cut or tear in the skin or flesh. Therefore, the definition of contusion directly aligns with the description of a bruise or injury, making this the correct answer.