What is an endoscope?

An endoscope is a medical instrument that allows a doctor to observe the inside of the body without performing major surgery. It is a long flexible tube with a lens at the other.

The end with the lens is inserted into the patient, through one of the body's natrual openings. Light passes down the tube to illuminate the revalent area. The video camera magnifies the area and projects it onto a television screen. This enables the doctor to see the area where the problem lies.

The first endoscope had a rigid tube, and was inventend over a hundred year ago. They have been developed for many parts of the body. Each has its own name, depending on the part of the body it is about to invenstigate. An endoscope is an important tool for diagnosing certain illnesses. Specially designed endoscope can also be used for simple surgical procedures.