Silk, cotton, and Mersilene are examples of which type of surgical material?

Silk, cotton, and Mersilene are all types of sutures used in surgical procedures, making sutures the correct category for these materials. Sutures serve the primary purpose of holding tissues together after an incision or injury, promoting healing and tissue regeneration.

Silk is a natural fiber known for its ease of handling and knot security, while cotton is also a natural fiber commonly used in absorbable sutures. Mersilene, on the other hand, is a brand name for a type of non-absorbable suture made of polyester, which is appreciated for its strength and minimal tissue reactivity.

In contrast, drains, staples, and mesh serve different functions in surgical practice. Drains are used to remove fluid or air from a wound or body cavity, staples serve to mechanically close incisions, and mesh is typically employed for reinforcing tissues, particularly in hernia repairs. These functions do not involve the role of sutures, which are specifically intended for tissue closure and support.