Which instrument is used to scrape tissue during surgical procedures?

The correct choice is curettes, which are specialized surgical instruments designed for scraping tissue. They have a small, scoop-shaped end that is particularly effective for removing tissue from a variety of sites within the body, such as during a procedure to curette (or scrape) the lining of a cavity or wound. Curettes are instrumental in obtaining tissue samples for diagnostic purposes or in removing pathological tissue.

In contrast, thumb forceps are primarily used for grasping and holding tissues during surgical procedures, and they do not have a scraping function. Hemostats are designed to control bleeding by clamping blood vessels, playing a crucial role in maintaining hemostasis during surgery but not for scraping. Towel clamps are utilized to hold drapes or towels in place, ensuring a sterile field, and do not have any scraping capability. Understanding the specific uses of each instrument helps clarify why curettes are the appropriate choice for scraping tissue in surgical settings.