Which injury type involves soft tissue damage but no break in the skin?

The correct answer, which involves soft tissue damage without a break in the skin, is classified as a closed wound. A closed wound occurs when there is injury to the underlying tissues, such as muscles or organs, but the skin remains intact. This type of injury can result from impacts, such as bruises or contusions, where blood vessels are damaged, leading to bleeding beneath the skin but without breaking the skin surface.

Understanding this distinction is important in veterinary science as it influences how injuries are treated. For instance, closed wounds can often be managed with rest and ice to reduce swelling, while open wounds require more immediate attention to prevent infection.

The other types of injuries mentioned involve breaks in the skin. A contusion, while it may seem similar, is a specific type of closed wound characterized as a bruise. Open wounds involve breaks in the skin, along with the risk of exposure to contaminants and infection, while lacerations are a specific type of open wound resulting from tears or cuts in the skin.