Final answer:
In medical terms, bruises are known as contusions, which are injuries to blood vessels beneath the skin causing discoloration without skin breakage.
Step-by-step explanation:
In medical terms, bruises are known as contusion.
A contusion is a type of injury that results from blood vessels being damaged beneath the skin, without breaking the surface. This damage causes blood components like erythrocytes (red blood cells) to leak into the surrounding tissue, leading to the discoloration associated with bruising. These colors change as the bruise heals due to the breakdown of hemoglobin and formation of different pigments such as biliverdin from damaged RBCs. Unlike a cut or abrasion, a contusion does not involve a break in the skin.
It is crucial to monitor a contusion, as an increase in redness, swelling, and pain can indicate complications like infection. The lifecycle of erythrocytes or red blood cells, including their role in bruising, is summarized in medical texts and contributes to understanding the healing process of bruises.