subcutâneos

Subcutâneos refers to something located or administered beneath the skin. This term is frequently used in a medical context. For example, a subcutaneous injection is a method of delivering medication directly into the fatty tissue layer just below the epidermis. This allows for a slower absorption of the drug into the bloodstream compared to other routes like intravenous injections. Common medications administered subcutaneously include insulin, certain vaccines, and anticoagulants.

The subcutaneous layer, also known as the hypodermis, is the deepest layer of the skin. It is primarily composed of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue (fat). This layer serves several important functions, including insulating the body, storing energy in the form of fat, and providing a shock-absorbing cushion for the skin and underlying structures. Many sensory receptors are also located within the subcutaneous tissue.

Medical procedures involving the subcutaneous layer can include the insertion of implants, such as birth control devices or certain types of chemotherapy ports. In dermatology, conditions affecting this layer are also described as subcutaneous. The term subcutaneous tissue is a general term referring to this layer of the body. Understanding the subcutaneous space is crucial for medical professionals in administering treatments and understanding physiological processes.