The term "bullet forceps" in medical terminology refers to a type of surgical instrument used to hold delicate tissue, typically during surgical procedures. The spelling of this word may seem peculiar, but it is based on the principles of phonetic transcription. The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription for "bullet forceps" is /ˈbʊlɪt ˈfɔːsɛps/, which represents the sounds of the word in a standardized way. The spelling "bullet forceps" reflects the common pronunciation of the term and is widely accepted within the medical community.
Bullet forceps are surgical instruments characterized by their unique design resembling a bullet, hence the name. These forceps consist of long, slender handles that taper towards the end, forming pointed tips or jaws. The jaws of bullet forceps are curved and may have small teeth or ridges on the inner surfaces to enhance their grip.
Bullet forceps are commonly used in the field of surgery and medical procedures. They are primarily employed to firmly grasp and manipulate tissues that are difficult to hold with fingers alone, especially in narrow or deep anatomical regions. These forceps are typically utilized for tasks such as removing small foreign bodies, grasping and extracting fragments of tissue or bone, allowing precise dissection or suturing, and managing delicate structures.
The slender design and pointed tips of bullet forceps enable surgeons to access hard-to-reach areas and provide a more accurate and controlled manipulation of tissues. The curved jaws ensure a secure grip on the desired target, reducing the risk of slippage during procedures. The addition of teeth or ridges enhances their gripping ability, making it easier to hold onto slippery or delicate tissues.
Bullet forceps come in various sizes and can be either straight or curved, depending on the specific procedure and anatomical location involved. Their practical design and versatility make them indispensable tools for surgeons and medical professionals when performing delicate or intricate procedures.
F. With thin curved blades with serrated grasping surface, used for extracting a bullet from the tissues.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "bullet" in "bullet forceps" refers to the shape and function of the instrument, rather than its actual etymology. "Bullet forceps" are surgical instruments specifically designed for grasping and extracting bullets from gunshot wounds. The term "bullet" is used to describe the shape of the instrument's tip, which resembles the point of a bullet. Meanwhile, "forceps" is derived from the Latin word "forcipes", which means "a pair of tongs" or "pincers". The combination of these terms creates the name "bullet forceps", indicating their purpose and design.