Final answer:
The correct answer to the question of what is damaged when football players sustain lateral blows to the extended knee is tibial collateral ligament, medial meniscus, and anterior cruciate ligament, known as the "terrible triad" injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
Football players often sustain lateral blows to the extended knee, and the damages that result from such an impact can be severe. The injury referred to as the "terrible triad" involves the tibial collateral ligament, medial meniscus, and anterior cruciate ligament.
A strong lateral force tends to first stress or tear the tibial collateral ligament, which is attached to the medial meniscus, leading to its potential damage. As the force continues, it may also cause a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, which is crucial for preventing the hyperextension of the knee. Therefore, the correct answer to the damages sustained as a result of a lateral blow to the extended knee is: C) tibial collateral ligament, medial meniscus, and anterior cruciate ligament.