Which condition is characterized by bleeding occurring under the skin, often resulting in discoloration?

The condition characterized by bleeding occurring under the skin, often resulting in discoloration, is known as a contusion. A contusion is commonly referred to as a bruise and occurs when small blood vessels are damaged due to an impact or trauma. This leads to blood leaking into the surrounding tissues, causing the characteristic discoloration, which can range from red to purple and eventually fade to yellow as the body reabsorbs the blood.

Other options, such as strains, fractures, and dislocations, do not primarily result in visible bruising under the skin. A strain refers to the overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons, a fracture involves a break in bone continuity, and a dislocation describes a bone being displaced from its joint. While these conditions can also involve swelling or pain, they do not specifically result in the bruising effect that is a hallmark of a contusion.