A rubbed or scraped area on skin or mucous membranes caused by contact with a rough surface is known as what?

The term that describes a rubbed or scraped area on skin or mucous membranes caused by contact with a rough surface is "abrasion." This is characterized by the removal or wearing away of the epidermis, leading to a superficial injury that may result in bleeding or discomfort. Abrasions typically occur in everyday situations, such as falls, and are indicative of damage to the skin without penetration to deeper tissues.

In contrast, a contusion refers to a bruise typically caused by blunt force trauma where blood vessels are damaged, but the skin is intact. Excoriation generally signifies a scratch or abrasion caused by the act of scratching, which is usually self-inflicted. A lesion is a broader term that encompasses any abnormal change in the structure of tissues, which may include abrasions, but also includes various other types of skin damage or abnormalities. Therefore, in this context, the specific terminology of "abrasion" most accurately describes the injury in question.