Pronunciation: [kˈɒlənˌɒskə͡ʊp] (IPA) 
Colonoscope is spelled /kəˈlɒn.ə.skəʊp/. The first syllable, "co", is pronounced like the word "core". The following "lon" is a short "o" sound followed by an "n" sound, and the final "o" is pronounced like "oh". The second part of the word, "scope", is pronounced like "skohp". In simple words, the word colonoscope is spelled phonetically as "kuh-lon-uh-skohp" and is used to examine the colon for any abnormalities or diseases.
A colonoscope is a medical instrument used for examining the inside of the colon, also known as the large intestine. It is a flexible and slender tube-like device that is typically around 120-150 centimeters long. The colonoscope is equipped with a light source and a camera at the tip, enabling doctors to have a clear visual inspection of the colon's lining.
The procedure of colonoscopy involves the insertion of the colonoscope through the anus and into the rectum, gradually advancing it through the entire length of the colon. The flexible nature of the colonoscope allows it to navigate the twists and turns of the colon, providing a comprehensive examination of the organ.
During a colonoscopy, the camera attached to the colonoscope captures images of the colon's inner walls, which are transmitted to a monitor for the doctor to observe. This enables them to identify and evaluate any abnormalities, such as polyps, ulcers, inflammation, or tumors that could indicate the presence of diseases or conditions, including colorectal cancer.
The colonoscope also has additional channels through which specialized instruments can be passed to perform other procedures, such as taking biopsies or removing polyps for further examination. In this way, colonoscopy not only serves as a diagnostic tool but also allows for therapeutic interventions to be conducted.
Colonoscopes play a vital role in the early detection, prevention, and treatment of various colon-related diseases, making them an essential instrument in gastroenterology and colorectal medicine.
An elongated rectal speculum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "colonoscope" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "kolon" meaning "colon" and "skopein" meaning "to look at" or "to examine". Therefore, when combined, "colonoscope" literally means "to examine the colon" or "an instrument to look at the colon".
