What term describes the pathway that allows isotopes to enter the body through the skin?

The term that describes the pathway allowing isotopes to enter the body through the skin is absorption. Absorption refers to the process by which substances penetrate the skin layers and enter the bloodstream. This mechanism is particularly relevant for certain chemicals, including radioactive isotopes, which can enter the body through intact or damaged skin.

In terms of radioactive materials, such pathways can lead to internal contamination, which can pose significant health risks, depending on the isotope and the exposure level. Understanding this process is vital in radiation safety practices, as it emphasizes the importance of protective measures to minimize skin exposure to hazardous substances.

Inhalation and injection involve different routes of exposure and are not primarily linked to skin contact. Contamination typically refers to the presence of radioactive material on the surface of objects or people, rather than how substances enter the body. Thus, the focus on absorption accurately describes the mechanism of entry through the skin.