What is a contusion?

A contusion is defined as an injury that results in discoloration and swelling but does not break the skin. This type of injury, commonly known as a bruise, occurs when small blood vessels under the skin are damaged, usually due to a bump or impact. The blood leaks into the surrounding tissues, leading to the characteristic blue or purple mark.

This aligns with the understanding that the skin remains intact when a contusion occurs, distinguishing it from other types of injuries where the skin is indeed broken, such as abrasions or lacerations. Additionally, while psychological trauma and treatment methods may relate to the concept of injury, they do not accurately define what a contusion is. Thus, the choice indicating that a contusion is an injury in which the skin is not broken is the correct description of this term.