Absorption is the movement of a drug from its site of administration into the circulation. Factors that affect absorption include aqueous solubility, concentration, area of absorbing surface, vascularity of the absorbing surface, and route of administration. The route of administration determines the site of absorption and each route has unique characteristics that impact absorption. For example, orally administered drugs must pass through the gastrointestinal tract before entering circulation, while subcutaneous and intramuscular routes deposit drugs directly near capillaries for absorption. Lipid solubility also influences absorption across different routes and tissues like the skin. Bioavailability refers to the rate and extent that a drug is absorbed and reaches systemic circulation.