What does "enteral administration" of medication mean?

Enteral administration refers specifically to the delivery of medication through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This route includes methods such as oral administration, where medications are taken by mouth and absorbed through the digestive system, as well as other methods that involve the GI tract, such as sublingual (under the tongue) or rectal administration. The term "enteral" derives from the Greek word "enteron," which means intestine, emphasizing the use of the digestive system for medication absorption.

In contrast, the other options describe different routes of medication delivery that do not involve the gastrointestinal tract. For instance, injections pertain to parenteral routes, which bypass the GI tract entirely, while intravenous administration specifically involves delivering medications directly into the bloodstream. Inhalation refers to administering medication through the respiratory system, which also does not involve the GI tract. Therefore, identifying "delivery of medication through the gastrointestinal tract" as the correct answer captures the essence of enteral administration accurately.