Which instrument is used to cut skin and tissue during surgical procedures?

The scalpel is specifically designed for cutting skin and tissue during surgical procedures, making it an essential tool in surgery. Its blade is sharp and precise, allowing surgeons to create clean incisions with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues. This precision is crucial for ensuring optimal healing and reducing the risk of complications.

In contrast, scissors are primarily used for cutting softer materials or sutures rather than precise incisions in skin and tissue. Forceps are gripping instruments used to hold, manipulate, or extract tissues and objects but do not cut. A hemostat is mainly employed to control bleeding by clamping blood vessels and does not serve the purpose of cutting, reinforcing the scalpel’s unique role in surgical operations.