The correct spelling of "hypodermic syringe" may seem daunting at first, but it can be simplified with the help of IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as haɪpə(ʊ)ˈdəːmɪk sɪˈrɪndʒ, which helps to break down the spelling into manageable parts. "Hypo" refers to under, "derm" to skin, and "ic" is a suffix that forms adjectives. "Syringe" is a straightforward word with Greek origins, meaning "tool for drawing fluid." With this understanding, the full spelling of "hypodermic syringe" becomes much easier to remember.
A hypodermic syringe refers to a medical instrument used for administering fluids, medications, or extracting bodily fluids subcutaneously. It typically consists of a barrel, plunger, and needle. The barrel is a hollow, cylindrical tube with calibrated markings to denote the volume of the fluid being injected or withdrawn. The plunger is a movable component within the barrel, used to control the flow of the fluids by pushing or pulling, creating pressure and thus injecting or extracting substances. The needle, located at one end of the barrel, is a slender, pointed metal tube used for piercing through the skin and entering the subcutaneous tissue.
Hypodermic syringes are commonly utilized in various medical settings like hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, as well as by individuals for self-administration of medications such as insulin. The process generally involves cleaning the injection site, filling the syringe with the desired amount of medication, removing any air bubbles to ensure accurate dosage, inserting the needle into the skin, slowly pushing the plunger to inject the medication, and properly disposing of the used syringe to prevent needlestick injuries or cross-contamination.
The innovation of hypodermic syringes revolutionized medical care by improving the precision, safety, and efficiency of administering medications and extracting body fluids. Its sterile design, calibrated measurements, and ability to control the flow of substances make it an indispensable tool in the field of medicine.
A small syringe, armed with a hollow needle in place of a nozzle, for use in giving remedies by the subcutaneous method.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "hypodermic syringe" is derived from two Greek words: "hypo" meaning "under" or "below", and "derma" meaning "skin". The word "syringe" originated from the Latin word "syrinx", which referred to a tube or pipe. When combined, "hypodermic syringe" essentially translates to "under the skin tube". This name accurately describes the device's purpose of delivering medication, fluids, or substances below the skin's surface through a needle and a hollow tube.