What kind of injury occurs when tissue is excessively stretched or severed?

The correct choice refers to a tear, which occurs when tissue, such as muscles, tendons, or ligaments, is excessively stretched or severed due to forceful impact or overextension. This type of injury can lead to the disruption of the tissue's structural integrity, causing pain, swelling, and impaired function in the affected area.

In the context of sports injuries, tears can vary in severity from mild, where only a few fibers are damaged, to severe, where the tissue may be completely torn. Such an injury often requires appropriate management, including rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), and in some cases, medical intervention or rehabilitation may be necessary.

This understanding distinguishes a tear from other types of injuries. For example, a sprain involves the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, while a strain affects muscles or tendons specifically. A contusion is a bruise resulting from direct impact, and does not involve the same level of tissue severing or elongation as a tear. Thus, recognizing the definitions and implications of these injuries is essential for effective sports injury management.