What is a defining characteristic of the Aln skin retractor?

The defining characteristic of the Aln skin retractor is that it features curved arms. This design is specifically made to effectively retract skin and other soft tissues during surgical procedures. The curved shape allows the retractor to create a space that accommodates the natural contours of the body, ensuring that the surgical field remains visible and accessible without causing excessive tissue trauma. The curvature is important for manipulation of tissues in various anatomical locations, making it a preferred choice for veterinarians during surgeries that require precise retraction capabilities.

Other instruments, such as retractors with sharp teeth or blunt tips, serve different purposes in medical and veterinary practice, focusing on tissue stability or grasping rather than the specific retraction and visibility provided by the curvature of the arms in the Aln skin retractor. Similarly, flexibility in instruments may relate to their adaptability in different situations but does not specifically define the Aln skin retractor's unique features.