The word "bronchoscope" is spelled with an "h" between "n" and "c" because it reflects the Greek root word "bronkhos" (βρόγχος) which means "windpipe" or "bronchus". The letter "h" is used to indicate the aspiration sound (a puff of air) that occurs when pronouncing the combination of "n" and "c". The IPA phonetic transcription of "bronchoscope" is /ˈbrɑːŋkəskəʊp/, with the emphasis on the first syllable and the final "e" pronounced as an "oh" sound.
A bronchoscope is a medical device used for examining the air passages of the lungs, known as the bronchi and bronchioles. It is a slender, flexible or rigid tube-like instrument equipped with a light source and a camera or optical system that allows a physician to visually inspect the respiratory system. The bronchoscope can either be guided through the nose or mouth and down the throat into the lungs, or it can be inserted directly through a small incision in the chest.
The primary purpose of a bronchoscope is to diagnose and investigate various respiratory conditions such as infections, tumors, bleeding, or obstructions within the airways. It enables doctors to capture detailed images and videos of the lung tissues, identify abnormalities, and collect samples, such as mucus, cells, or tissues, for further examination or biopsy. Additionally, bronchoscopes may be used to remove foreign objects or mucus plugs from the airways, provide therapeutic interventions, or deliver medications directly to the lung tissues.
Bronchoscopes come in different sizes and configurations to cater to various patient needs and clinical requirements. They are typically equipped with additional channels to accommodate specialized instruments, such as biopsy forceps, suction devices, or laser probes, enabling physicians to perform advanced procedures during bronchoscopy.
Overall, the bronchoscope plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of respiratory disorders, providing a direct and minimally invasive approach for clinicians to visualize and access the airways.
An instrument for use in inspecting the interior of the bronchi for the detection and removal of foreign bodies; it may be passed through the mouth and larynx or directly through a tracheotomy opening.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "bronchoscope" can be broken down into two parts: "broncho-" and "-scope".
The first part, "broncho-", is derived from the Greek word "bronkhos", which means "windpipe" or "airway". It is related to "bronkhē", meaning "throat" or "windpipe".
The second part, "-scope", is derived from the Greek word "skopos", which means "to look" or "to examine".
Therefore, "bronchoscope" literally means "an instrument used to examine the windpipe". It is a medical device used for visualizing the inside of the air passages in the lungs.