What type of tool is described as having a knife-like blade used for cutting or dissecting?

A scalpel is defined as a small, sharp knife that is primarily used for cutting or dissecting tissues during surgical procedures. Its design includes a fine blade that allows for precision when making incisions, making it an essential tool in both surgical operations and anatomical dissection.

In contrast, surgical scissors are designed for cutting tissues but have blades that come together to create a shearing action rather than a direct slicing motion. Curettes are instruments used for scraping tissue or debris from a surface, and they generally have a scoop shape, not a blade for cutting. Forceps are used for grasping, holding, or manipulating tissues but do not have a cutting edge like a knife. Each of these other tools serves a specific function, but the scalpel stands out due to its sharp, knife-like blade primarily designed for cutting.