Sutures Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sutures
[ˈsuːtʃərz ]
Definition
in medicine
Sutures are stitches used by surgeons to hold tissues together during surgery and to assist in the healing process. They can be made of various materials such as silk, nylon, or absorbable materials.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sutures |
Mainly used in medical contexts when referring to the threads used to close wounds or surgical incisions. This term is very clinical.
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| stitches |
Similar to 'sutures', but can be used in everyday language to describe the act of sewing fabric as well as the medical procedure of closing wounds. This term is less formal than 'sutures'.
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| seams |
Commonly used in textiles and clothing to describe the line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together. This term is not used in medical contexts.
|
| staples |
Used in both medical and office settings. In medicine, it refers to metal clips used to close surgical wounds. In office contexts, staples are used to bind paper together.
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Examples of usage
- The surgeon carefully placed the sutures to close the incision.
- After removing the sutures, the patient's wound started to heal.
- The nurse checked the sutures for any signs of infection.
- The doctor used dissolvable sutures for the internal stitches.
- She needed several sutures to repair the deep cut on her arm.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Medical Use
- Used in surgeries to hold body parts together and help them heal properly.
- Different materials are used for sutures, including absorbable strings that dissolve over time and ones that need to be removed.
- Sutures come in various sizes and types, tailored for specific areas of the body based on healing needs.
Historical Origins
- The practice of suturing dates back thousands of years, with ancient Egyptians using linen and animal intestines for stitches.
- Archaeological findings suggest that suturing methods were practiced in ancient India and China, showcasing rich medical traditions.
- The term 'suture' derives from the Latin word 'sutura', which means 'to seam' or 'to stitch'.
Cultural Significance
- In some cultures, traditional healing practices may incorporate sutures made from natural materials like plant fibers.
- In literature and film, sutures often symbolize healing and recovery, as characters undergo surgery to fix wounds or injuries.
Science
- Sutures not only hold skin together but also can be crucial in brain surgery, where precision is vital for recovery.
- Advances in materials science have led to the creation of specialized sutures that promote faster healing and reduce scarring.
- Research in biocompatibility helps ensure that the sutures used in surgeries do not trigger adverse reactions in patients.
Origin of 'sutures'
The word 'sutures' originated from the Latin word 'sutura', which means a seam or a sewing together. In medicine, sutures have been used for centuries to close wounds and promote healing. The development of modern surgical techniques and materials has greatly improved the effectiveness of sutures in medical procedures.