What is the term for administering medication through the skin into fatty tissue?

Administering medication through the skin into the fatty tissue is referred to as subcutaneous administration. This method involves injecting the medication into the layer of fat just beneath the skin, which allows for gradual absorption into the bloodstream. Subcutaneous injections are commonly used for various types of medication, including insulin and certain vaccines.

The technique is ideal for situations where slow, consistent absorption of the medication is desired. By using this route, healthcare providers can ensure that the drug enters the systemic circulation over time rather than all at once, as would happen with an intravenous injection.

The other options refer to different administration routes: intravenous pertains to direct injections into the bloodstream, sublingual means placing medication under the tongue for rapid absorption, and intradermal involves injecting into the dermal layer of the skin. Each method has its specific applications and affects how the medication is absorbed and utilized by the body, but the correct term for injecting into fatty tissue is subcutaneous.