What are contusions commonly referred to as?

Contusions are commonly referred to as bruises. This term describes an injury that results when small blood vessels under the skin tear or rupture, typically due to a bump or impact. The blood from these vessels leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing the characteristic discoloration associated with bruising. Bruises can vary in color and size and generally heal over time as the body reabsorbs the pooled blood.

The other terms listed refer to different types of injuries or conditions. Wounds usually indicate a break in the skin that often involves cuts or lacerations. Scrapes are surface injuries where the top layer of skin is removed, and swelling refers to an increase in volume in an area of the body due to fluid accumulation. Therefore, "bruises" is the correct term associated with contusions.