What occurs during a sprain?

A sprain specifically refers to an injury involving the ligaments, which are the connective tissues that connect bones to other bones at a joint. During a sprain, these ligaments become stretched or torn due to excessive force or twisting movements that exceed their normal range of motion.

This injury is distinct from the options involving tendons or muscles; tendons connect muscles to bones and a complete tear of tendons would not be classified as a sprain. Additionally, while sprains can result in damage to the joint structures, they typically do not involve the complete rupture of muscles or total damage to the joint capsule. In fact, the joint capsule may sustain some injury, but it is not accurate to say it remains undamaged in the context of a sprain. Thus, the correct response highlights the nature of a sprain as it specifically relates to ligament injuries.