Subcutaneous injections are given where?

• A. Under the skin in the fat layer above the muscle, commonly in abdomen or thigh
• B. Into the muscle
• C. Into the vein
• D. Under the tongue

Answer: (A)

Subcutaneous injections are given into the fatty tissue just under the skin and above the underlying muscle. Common sites include the abdomen (away from the navel) and the front of the thigh, as well as the upper outer arm and buttocks. Because the medicine sits in fat rather than muscle or a blood vessel, it is absorbed more slowly and steadily. This differs from injections into muscle (intramuscular), into a vein (intravenous), or placing medication under the tongue (sublingual).