Endoscope:
An instrument used to look inside an organ or body cavity. An endoscope is usually composed of 3 components: a) an optic system that allows the physician/surgeon to look through the scope into the organ or cavity, or to attach a video camera to the scope, b) a fiberoptic cable to transmit light into the area, and c) a lumen to take samples of the area being viewed. Generally, the term "endo" is dropped, and the organ or cavity name is associated with "scope" to refer to the use of the instrument. Examples: Bronchoscope refers to an endoscope used to look inside a patient’s lungs. A gastroscope is used to look inside a patient’s stomach.
|
