A stapling and cutting system for use by a physician in the cutting and stapling together of layers of body tissue. The system includes first and second handles that are pivotally coupled together at a pivot joint located between proximate and distal ends of each of handles. First and second jaws are coupled together and movable between an open and closed position. Mounted on a distal end of the first jaw for positioning on one side of the layers of tissue is a disposable staple cartridge, which includes a plurality of staples. An anvil, mounted on the distal end of the second jaw, is positioned on opposing side of the tissue to be stapled. To manipulate the jaws, a closure mechanism couples the first and second handles to the first and second jaws. The closure mechanism maintains the anvil and the staple cartridge substantially parallel to and opposite from one another when the first and second jaws are in the open position and moved to the closed position. When operated, the staples are discharged from the system and clinched when the first and second jaws are moved into the closed position.
