How does the presence of bruises relate to contusions?

The presence of bruises is directly related to contusions as bruises are a specific type of contusion. A contusion is defined as an injury to a part of the body that causes blood vessels to rupture and bleed under the skin, leading to discoloration. This discoloration manifests as bruises, which can vary in color from red to purple to yellow as healing occurs.

In understanding this relationship, it is important to recognize that not all contusions present as visibly as bruises. However, all bruises are caused by contusions, which result from direct trauma to the tissue. The repair process for bruises can lead to the characteristic color changes associated with healing, but the essential connection is that bruises are a visible sign of the underlying contusion.