The correct spelling of the word "endermically" is with the Latin root "derma" meaning skin. The word is pronounced as /ɛn.dərˈmɪk.li/ with stress on the second syllable. The prefix "en-" means "inside" or "within", hence the word means "within or beneath the skin". It is often used in the medical field to describe the administration of medicine by injection directly into the skin for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Incorrect spellings of the word include "endemically" or "endemicaly".
Endermically, in the context of biology and medicine, refers to a mode of administration or absorption of a substance through the dermal layer of the skin. It pertains to the transfer or penetration of a drug or substance, usually in liquid or ointment form, into the body through unbroken skin.
The term derives from the prefix "endo-" meaning "inner" or "within," and the root word "dermis" which refers to the middle layer of the skin. Hence, endermically emphasizes the passage or absorption of a substance through the epidermis and reaching the deeper layers, including the dermis or even systemic circulation.
The endermic route of administration can be utilized for various therapeutic purposes, such as transdermal delivery of medications, local anesthesia, or diagnostic testing. The method is preferred when oral administration is not viable or when precise control of drug absorption is required. It allows for the gradual and sustained release of therapeutic agents or compounds into the systemic circulation, thereby avoiding the first-pass metabolism that can occur with oral administration.
It is important to note that endermically differs from other modes of administration, such as oral, intravenous, or intramuscular, as it specifically refers to the absorption of substances through the skin. The term's precise usage is primarily limited to the medical and pharmaceutical fields, where the transdermal route is prioritized for certain medications.
The word "endermically" is formed from the combination of two parts: "endo-" and "dermically".
The prefix "endo-" is derived from the Greek word "endon", meaning "within" or "inside". It is commonly used in English to indicate something happening or located internally or within a particular area.
The word "dermically" is an adverb form of "dermic", which is related to the noun "dermis". "Dermis" refers to the second layer of skin beneath the epidermis. In this context, "-ically" is added to the noun to form an adverb meaning "relating to the dermis" or "by means of the dermis".