What term is used to describe a bruise or injury in medical terminology?

The term "contusion" is used in medical terminology to describe a bruise or injury caused by a blunt force that damages the small blood vessels, leading to bleeding underneath the skin. This results in discoloration and swelling in the affected area. A contusion often presents as a painful area that changes color as it heals, typically transitioning from red or purple to yellow or green.

While other terms are related to injuries, they refer to different types of damage. A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often resulting from a contusion but is not synonymous with it. A friction burn refers to skin damage caused by rubbing against a rough surface, and an abrasion involves the removal of the top layer of skin through scraping. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why "contusion" is the appropriate term for a bruise.