Which term means bruising of the skin?

• A. bulla
• B. enuresis
• C. coronal plane
• D. ecchymosis

Answer: (D)

Bruising of the skin is described by ecchymosis. It occurs when small blood vessels break and blood leaks into surrounding tissues, creating a discolored patch that’s usually blue‑purple and changes as it heals. This term specifically refers to the visible bruise under the skin or mucous membranes, and it’s distinct from other skin findings: a bulla is a fluid-filled blister on the surface, enuresis means urinary incontinence, and a coronal plane is an anatomical divider that splits the body into front and back portions. Ecchymosis captures the end result of minor bleeding under the skin in a single, recognizable term.