A contusion is commonly known as what?

A contusion is commonly known as a bruise. This is because a contusion refers to the injury that occurs when small blood vessels are damaged or ruptured, leading to localized bleeding under the skin. This process typically results from a direct blow or impact to the area, causing the characteristic discoloration associated with bruises. The color changes in the skin over time as the body gradually breaks down and reabsorbs the blood, which is a key aspect that helps differentiate it from other types of injuries.

In contrast, a strain specifically refers to an injury involving muscles or tendons that occurs when they are overstretched or torn, while a tear usually denotes a more severe injury that affects the muscle or tendon integrity. A sprain involves ligament damage around a joint due to overstretching or twisting. Each of these terms describes different kinds of injuries, making it clear why a contusion is accurately identified as a bruise.