Dissection Terminology

reflect

to bend a structure away from a cut surface out of the way

resect

to cut out all or part of the structure

retract

moving a structure to the side without damaging it

spread/tunnel

process of pushing closed scissors into fascial plane or structure and spreading scissors open to separate tissue to form a tunnel

transect

cut through the structure

blunt dissect

separate structures with non-sharp probe or fingers

clean

remove fascia or other debris to enhance view of structure

excise

removal of structure by cutting

ligate

tie string or thread or loop around structure clinically used to close off vascular ends

mobilize

separate a structure from attaching fascia so it can be retracted or otherwise moved

undermine

spread/separate a more superficial structure from a deeper structure to work way below the superficial structure with minimal damage to it