Suture

/ˈsuːtʃər/ noun

Definition

A medical stitch or series of stitches used to close wounds, surgical incisions, or to join tissues together. Sutures can be made from various materials including silk, nylon, or absorbable materials that dissolve over time.

Etymology

From Latin 'sutura' meaning a seam or joint, derived from 'suere' meaning to sew. The term has been used in surgery since ancient times, with evidence of suturing techniques dating back to ancient Egypt and India.

Kelly Says

The choice of suture material and technique can dramatically affect healing - absorbable sutures made from animal intestines were used for centuries and are still preferred for internal organs because they dissolve naturally as the tissue heals. Microsurgery uses sutures finer than human hair to reconnect tiny blood vessels and nerves!

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