Where are subcutaneous injections given in rodents?

• A. Under the skin around the flank or loose skin of the neck
• B. Into the muscle of the thigh
• C. Into the tail vein
• D. Into the peritoneal cavity

Answer: (A)

Subcutaneous injections are given into the tissue just beneath the skin. In rodents, the most common sites are the loose skin around the neck (nape) or the flank area. This location allows the needle to enter the subcutaneous tissue without reaching muscle or a blood vessel, producing slower, gradual absorption suitable for vaccines, fluids, or medications that don’t require rapid onset.

Other routes involve different tissues and purposes: injecting into the muscle of the thigh targets muscle tissue for faster absorption; injecting into the tail vein is intravenous and delivers the substance directly into the bloodstream; injecting into the peritoneal cavity is intraperitoneal and introduces material into the abdominal cavity. Those routes are chosen for specific study needs and require different techniques and considerations.