What term refers to taking food, fluids, or medications into the body through the mouth?

The term "ingestion" specifically refers to the process of taking in food, fluids, or medications through the mouth and into the digestive tract. This encompasses all forms of intake that occur orally, which is a primary method by which nutrients and medications are introduced into the body.

Ingestion is essential for nourishment and the delivery of pharmaceuticals that are designed to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal system. It stands in contrast to other terms like inhalation, which involves the intake of substances through the respiratory system, infusion, where substances are introduced directly into the bloodstream usually via an IV, and insufflation, which refers to the introduction of gas or powder into a body cavity. Each of these processes has distinct pathways and uses, underscoring the importance of understanding the correct terminology in medical contexts.