Subkutaanse

Subkutaanse refers to something situated or occurring beneath the skin. This term is commonly used in medical contexts to describe administration routes for medications, injections, or the location of certain tissues and structures. Subcutaneous injections, for instance, deliver medication into the fatty layer just below the epidermis. This method allows for slower absorption into the bloodstream compared to intramuscular or intravenous injections. Many vaccines, insulin, and certain hormonal therapies are administered subcutaneously. The subcutaneous tissue itself is composed of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue, providing insulation and cushioning for the body. It plays a role in energy storage and is also home to blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels. Conditions affecting this layer can include lipomas, which are benign fatty tumors, or cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Understanding the subkutaanse layer is important in various medical fields, from dermatology to pharmacology.