Subcutis

The subcutis is the layer of tissue directly underlying the cutis. It is mainly composed of adipose tissue. Its physiological function includes insulation and storage of nutrients. Directly below the subcutis is usually a layer of muscle (covered in a fascia) or bone (covered in periosteum).

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Subcutaneous injections are given by injecting a fluid into the subcutis. It is relatively painless and an effective way to administer particular types of medication. Certain depot injections, such as goserelin, are a solid or oil-based medication which is administered subcutaneously where it releases its agent slowly over a period of weeks.

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Cutis: Cutis refers to several unrelated biological structures. It may mean:...

Adipose tissue: Adipose tissue is an anatomical term for loose connective tissue composed of adipocytes. Its main role is to store energy in the form of fat, although it also cushions and insulates the body. It has an important endocrine function in producing recently-discovered hormones such as leptin, resistin an...

Muscle: Muscle is a contractile form of tissue. It is one of the four major tissue types, the other three being epithelium, connective tissue and nervous tissue. Muscle contraction is used to move parts of the body, as well as to move substances within the body....