Which of the following describes a sprain?

A sprain is specifically an injury to a ligament, which is the tissue that connects bones to one another at a joint. When a ligament is stretched or torn, it results in a sprain, commonly occurring in joints such as the ankle, knee, or wrist. This type of injury typically involves pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected area due to the disruption of the ligaments' stability and function.

In contrast, an injury to the muscle, such as a strain, involves a different type of soft tissue damage. Inflammation of a tendon, which refers to tendinitis, is another specific condition impacting a different type of connective tissue. An injury to the bone describes a fracture, which is distinctly different from a sprain. Each of these alternatives pertains to different tissues and types of injuries, highlighting the specific role that ligaments play in the definition of a sprain.