Which part of the needle refers to its long slender portion?

The long slender portion of a needle is referred to as the shaft. This part serves as the main body of the needle, connecting the hub (the part that fits onto the syringe) to the bevel (the angled tip of the needle). The shaft is crucial for guiding the needle through the skin and into the tissue where medication needs to be delivered. Its length and diameter can vary based on the specific application, affecting factors like injection depth and the type of fluid being administered.

Understanding the components of a needle is essential in sterile compounding and pharmacy practice because it helps ensure proper technique and safety during injections. The other parts have distinct purposes: the bevel allows for smooth entry into the skin, the hub secures the needle to the syringe, and the lumen (the hollow interior of the needle) is where the fluid flows through. Each component plays a role in the overall functionality but identifying the shaft is key to recognizing the basic structure of a needle.