What term describes a portion of a means of egress that leads to an exit?

The term that describes a portion of a means of egress leading to an exit is "exit access." This refers specifically to the segment of the egress system that occupants travel through to reach an exit. It's crucial in the context of building safety and design because it encompasses hallways, doorways, and any other pathways that provide a route to the exit itself.

In the concept of means of egress, "exit access" plays a vital role as it supports safe evacuation during emergencies by helping people find their way to life-saving exits. Knowing this distinction is essential for architectural design, fire safety planning, and adherence to building codes, which ensure that exits are easily accessible and identifiable.

The other possible choices, while related to egress, do not specifically refer to the section leading to an exit. "Exit discharge" pertains to the segment of egress that leads from an exit to a public way, while "evacuation route" is a more general term that describes the entire path people should follow during an emergency. "Exit pathway" is not a standard term in building codes, making it less appropriate than "exit access." Therefore, "exit access" is the accurate and relevant term for this aspect of means of egress.