What term describes overstretching of muscle or tendon resulting from excess stress or overuse?

The term that describes the overstretching of a muscle or tendon due to excessive stress or overuse is "strain." A strain occurs when the fibers of the muscle or tendon become torn or stretched beyond their normal limits. This typically happens during activities that require sudden or intense exertion, which can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected area.

Understanding the specific characteristics of a strain helps in distinguishing it from other injuries like sprains, which involve ligaments rather than muscles or tendons, and fractures, which pertain to the breaking of bones. A contusion, on the other hand, refers to a bruise that results from a direct blow to a muscle, not necessarily from overstretching. Thus, the definition of a strain aligns perfectly with the description provided, confirming its accuracy in the context of athletic injuries.