Which type of scissors is specifically designed for cutting tissue?

Metzenbaum scissors are specifically designed for cutting delicate tissue. Their long, slender shape and finely pointed tips enable the surgeon to make precise cuts in soft tissues, such as those found in the layers of the abdominal wall or in delicate procedures like gynecological surgeries. The design of Metzenbaum scissors allows for meticulous dissection, making them ideal for working in areas that require a high level of finesse.

While Mayo scissors are also used for cutting tissues, they are typically utilized for cutting heavier tissues or sutures, which does not make them as ideal for delicate work as Metzenbaum scissors. Straight scissors might be used in various surgical contexts, but they do not have the specialized design intended for delicate tissue handling that Metzenbaum scissors possess. A scalpel is primarily used for incisions rather than cutting or dissecting tissue. Thus, the uniqueness of Metzenbaum scissors in terms of their design and intended use for delicate tissue cutting makes them the correct answer in this context.