What does "subcutaneous" refer to?

Subcutaneous refers to the layer of tissue located beneath the skin. This term is commonly used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe anything that is situated or occurring beneath the dermis of the skin. In clinical practices, such as administering injections, the subcutaneous layer is significant because it affects the absorption of medications. For example, certain drugs are injected into the subcutaneous tissue for a slower, more sustained release into the bloodstream. Thus, the choice indicating that subcutaneous means “below the skin” is accurate and reflects its correct anatomical positioning in relation to the skin layers.