Which of the following best describes the term 'contusion'?

The term 'contusion' is best described as damage to underlying vessels. This type of injury occurs when a direct force impacts the skin but does not break the surface. As a result, the small blood vessels beneath the skin are injured, leading to bleeding in the surrounding tissue, which is what causes the characteristic discoloration or bruising associated with contusions.

The other options do not align with the definition of a contusion. Superficial skin damage refers to injuries like scrapes or minor abrasions, which do not involve deeper tissues. A tear in the skin describes lacerations or cuts, which are entirely different from contusions as they break the skin's surface. Lastly, a tissue segment that is completely detached would qualify as an avulsion or similar severe injury, rather than a contusion. Thus, damage to underlying vessels accurately captures the nature of a contusion and explains the symptoms often seen with this type of injury.