What does it mean to 'aspirate' in a medical context?

In a medical context, to 'aspirate' means to draw in or out by suction. This process is commonly used in various medical procedures where fluid or air needs to be removed from the body. For instance, during a procedure like a lumbar puncture, a needle may be used to aspirate cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal for testing. Similarly, in cases where excess fluid accumulates in a joint or surrounding tissue, aspiration can help alleviate pressure and discomfort.

The other options represent different medical actions but do not describe the process of aspiration. Injecting medication into a vein involves administering drugs directly into the bloodstream, performing a surgical incision refers to making a cut into the body for surgical purposes, and measuring blood pressure involves determining the force of blood against artery walls. Each of these actions serves distinct medical purposes and utilizes different techniques compared to aspiration.