What term describes the process by which medications travel through body tissues to the bloodstream?

The process by which medications travel through body tissues to the bloodstream is known as absorption. This refers to how a drug enters the body and moves from the site of administration into the bloodstream. For instance, when a medication is taken orally, it must dissolve in the gastrointestinal tract and then pass through the intestinal wall to enter the circulation. The effectiveness and speed of absorption can be influenced by various factors, including the drug's formulation, the route of administration, the presence of food, and the individual's overall health.

Distribution refers to the dispersion of the drug throughout the body's tissues and fluids after it has entered the bloodstream. Metabolism is the process of chemical alteration of the drug, primarily in the liver, which can affect its efficacy and how the body clears it. Excretion involves the elimination of the drug or its metabolites from the body, typically through urine or feces. Understanding these processes is crucial for comprehending how medications exert their effects and how they are managed within the body.