A
syringe is a simple
pump consisting of a plunger that fits tightly in a tube. The plunger can be pulled and pushed along inside a cylindrical tube (called a barrel), allowing the syringe to take in and expel a
liquid or
gas through an at the open end of the tube. The open end of the syringe may be fitted with a
hypodermic needle, a
nozzle, or
tubing to help direct the flow into and out of the barrel. Syringes are often used to administer
injections, insert intravenous drugs into the bloodstream, apply compounds such as
glue or
lubricant, and measure liquids.
