Amniotome

/ˈæmniəˌtoʊm/ noun

Definition

A surgical instrument used to puncture or cut the amnion (the membrane surrounding a fetus) during medical procedures.

Etymology

From 'amnion' (embryonic membrane) plus Greek 'tomē' (a cutting or section). Medical instruments with the '-tome' suffix have been named since the 1800s for their specific cutting functions.

Kelly Says

An amniotome is a precise surgical tool that doctors use to intentionally rupture the amniotic sac—a controlled procedure that can help induce labor when it's medically necessary.

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