Which type of injury is characterized by breaking down or tearing of tissue?

The correct choice is characterized by breaking down or tearing of tissue, which aligns with the definition of a shear injury. Shear injuries occur when two forces are applied in opposite directions, leading to damage in the layers of tissue. This type of injury is commonly associated with situations involving friction, such as when skin slides over bone or when one part of the body is pulled in a different direction than another.

In contrast, a contusion typically results from a direct blow or impact, causing bruising without tearing of the tissue. A fracture refers to a break in the bone rather than a tearing of soft tissue. A sprain is an injury to ligaments caused by overstretching but does not specifically refer to a tear of tissue, as it does not encompass all types of soft tissue injury. Thus, shearing involves the breakdown or tearing of tissue in a manner that uniquely categorizes it among the choices provided.