Early endoscopes were simply rigid hollow tubes with a light source. They were inserted into body orifices, such as the anus or the mouth, to allow the physician to look directly at structures and processes within. Modern instruments are more sophisticated. They often use fiber optics in flexible cables to penetrate deep into body structures. For example, one form of colonoscope can be threaded though the entire lower intestine, allowing the physician to search for pathologies all the way from... więcej

Magill’s Medical Guide (Online Edition), 2022. 2p.