Scalpels are one of the most essential surgical tools used by surgeons in various procedures. They are thin, handheld instruments with a sharp blade at one end and a handle at the other. The word “scalpel” is derived from the Latin word “scalpellum” which means “small knife.” These specialized knives come in different sizes and shapes depending on the type of procedure they are being used for.
Scalpels have a wide range of uses in surgery, including making incisions, dissecting tissues, and removing growths or foreign objects. They are also commonly used for precise cutting during delicate procedures such as neurosurgery or plastic surgery. The size and shape of the scalpel blade determine its specific use; a larger blade would be more suitable for making long incisions while a smaller blade would be ideal for finer cuts.