What is a contusion commonly known as?

A contusion is commonly known as a bruise. This term refers to an injury that occurs when small blood vessels under the skin break due to a direct impact or trauma, causing bleeding in the surrounding tissues. This results in the characteristic discoloration and tenderness that people recognize as a bruise.

Understanding the nature of a contusion helps in recognizing the symptoms and taking appropriate measures for treatment, such as applying ice to reduce swelling and resting the affected area. The other terms refer to different types of injuries: a sprain involves the stretching or tearing of ligaments, a fracture indicates a break in the bone, and a laceration describes a cut or tear in the skin. Thus, labeling a contusion as a bruise accurately reflects its physiological characteristics and clinical presentation.