Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

In which type of injection does the medication enter the muscle tissue?

1. Subcutaneous

2. Intravenous

3. Intramuscular

4. Topical

The correct answer is: Intramuscular

The intramuscular injection is the correct choice because it is specifically designed for delivering medication directly into the muscle tissue. This method allows for rapid absorption of the medication due to the high blood supply in the muscles, which is critical in situations where an immediate effect is desired. Intramuscular injections are commonly used for vaccines, hormonal therapies, and certain medications that require deep tissue injection. Other methods, such as subcutaneous injections, involve administering medication into the layer of fat and tissue just beneath the skin, which leads to slower absorption compared to intramuscular routes. Intravenous injections deliver medication directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate effects but are not administered into muscle tissue. Topical applications involve delivering medication directly onto the skin or mucous membranes, bypassing muscle tissue entirely. Each method has its unique applications and absorption characteristics, making intramuscular injections distinct in their purpose and efficacy.