Final answer:
Infusion is the medical term for the intravenous introduction of a substance other than blood, used to deliver fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into a vein.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical term infusion refers to the intravenous introduction of a substance other than blood. It's a common medical procedure where medications, fluids, or nutrients are delivered directly into a patient's vein. This can be necessary for hydration, to administer medications, or to provide nutrients. The process involves having an IV bag placed at a specific height, often with the assistance of gravity, to ensure the substance being infused enters the vein at the correct pressure. An example includes setting up an IV bag for infusion where the bag's height is determined by the patient's blood pressure within the vein to allow for proper flow.
Blood pressure in the veins must be conducive to the return of blood to the heart, and physiological phenomena like venous return and capillary exchange play crucial roles in the circulatory system, impacting how infusions are administered.