In medical terminology, what does "im" signify?

In medical terminology, "im" signifies "intramuscular," which refers to a method of administration where medication is injected directly into a muscle. This route is often used for vaccines and certain medications that require rapid absorption into the bloodstream, as muscles have a good blood supply that facilitates this process.

The other options represent different routes of administration: "subcutaneous" refers to injections given into the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle; "intravenous" indicates that a drug is administered directly into the bloodstream via a vein; and "topical administration" involves applying medication directly to the skin or mucous membranes. Understanding these terms helps healthcare professionals communicate clearly about how treatments should be delivered.