Definition
Transcutaneous signifies something that crosses or passes through the skin. It's often used to describe methods or devices that deliver stimuli, medications, or monitoring signals via the skin. Think of a TENS unit for pain relief, which sends electrical impulses through the skin. 'Trans-' means 'across,' and 'cutaneous' refers to the skin. Thus, 'transcutaneous' implies traversing the skin's layers. The focus is on what goes across the skin, not necessarily what's absorbed into it.