What is a contusion?

A contusion is defined as a bruise that results from an impact injury, which occurs when small blood vessels are damaged, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. This process creates the characteristic discoloration and swelling associated with bruises. A contusion typically forms under the skin but does not break the skin's surface.

The other options describe different types of injuries. A laceration is a cut or tear in the skin resulting from sharp objects, which is distinct from a contusion. An abrasion refers to rubbing or scraping of the skin that can occur with friction, again differing from the nature of a contusion. Lastly, while a contusion can be considered an injury from blunt force (which may include impacts), the more specific and accurate description is that it is a bruise stemming from such an injury. This distinction emphasizes the fact that a bruise is a specific type of contusion rather than a general injury definition. Thus, the correct choice highlights the nature of the injury accurately by identifying it as a bruise resulting from an impact.