HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which of the following best describes the function of forceps?

1. To dissect tissues

2. To hold back tissues

3. To extract and grasp tissues or clamp vessels

4. To smooth bone surfaces

The correct answer is: To extract and grasp tissues or clamp vessels

Forceps are specialized surgical instruments designed primarily for gripping, holding, and manipulating tissues during medical or dental procedures. Their main function is to extract tissues, such as teeth, or grasp tissues securely to facilitate other actions, such as suturing or applying pressure to blood vessels. The versatility in their design allows forceps to be used for a variety of tasks, including clamping vessels to control bleeding or providing a steady grip on tissues during surgical operations. This makes them an essential tool in various dental and medical procedures where precision and control are crucial. The other options describe different surgical instruments and their functions that do not encapsulate the primary purpose of forceps.