What is the primary function of a scalpel in surgery?

The primary function of a scalpel in surgery is to cut. Surgical scalpels are specifically designed instruments that have a very sharp blade and are used to make incisions in the skin and other tissues during surgical procedures. The precision of a scalpel allows surgeons to create clean and controlled cuts, which are essential for minimizing tissue damage and promoting better healing outcomes.

In comparison to the other options, while suturing involves bringing together and securing the edges of a cut, it is a secondary action that occurs after the initial incision has been made. Healing refers to the biological process that occurs post-surgery, while probing typically involves exploring or examining tissue with an instrument, rather than making incisions. Therefore, the definitive and essential purpose of a scalpel lies in its capacity to cut, which is fundamental to surgical operations.