topical application

the administration of a drug by applying it to the surface of the skin or other tissue surface, such as a mucous membrane. The drug is absorbed through the surface and produces its effects on underlying tissues. Some therapeutic drugs that are poorly absorbed through the skin are formulated with inert substances with better penetrating powers, which act as carriers.

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Psychology term of the day

October 9th 2024

Schröder staircase

an ambiguous figure of a staircase, which can be perceived as seen either from above or from underneath the stairs, depending on the perspective of the observer. It is often confused with the staircase illusion. [Heinrich Schröder (1810–1885), German bacteriologist and educator]