HYPOPHARYNGOSCOPY Meaning and
Definition
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Hypopharyngoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the hypopharynx, which is the lower part of the pharynx located behind the larynx (voice box) and above the esophagus (food pipe). It involves the use of a specialized instrument called a hypopharyngoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light source and a camera at the tip.
During a hypopharyngoscopy, the hypopharyngoscope is inserted through the mouth and advanced carefully into the hypopharynx to visualize the area. The camera transmits real-time images to a monitor, allowing the healthcare provider to examine the anatomy and identify any abnormalities or conditions, such as inflammation, ulcers, tumors, or structural abnormalities.
This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort or gag reflex. It is commonly used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate and diagnose conditions affecting the hypopharynx, including cancers, swallowing disorders, voice changes, and recurrent respiratory infections.
Hypopharyngoscopy is considered a relatively safe and well-tolerated procedure. It enables direct visualization of the hypopharynx, aiding in accurate diagnosis, and guiding appropriate treatment plans. It may be conducted in an outpatient setting, and patients can usually resume their normal activities shortly after the examination.
In summary, hypopharyngoscopy is a medical procedure that utilizes a specialized instrument to visualize and evaluate the hypopharynx, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions affecting this region of the throat.
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Inspection of the hypopharynx.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOPHARYNGOSCOPY
- hypopharyngoscmpy
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Etymology of HYPOPHARYNGOSCOPY
The word "hypopharyngoscopy" is derived from several Greek roots.
1. "Hypo-" is a Greek prefix meaning "below" or "under".
2. "Pharyngos" is derived from the Greek word "pharynx", which refers to the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity.
3. "-scopy" is a suffix derived from the Greek root "-skopein", meaning "to look" or "to examine".
Therefore, the etymology of "hypopharyngoscopy" reveals that it is composed of the Greek roots for "below" + "throat" + "examination" or "looking". It refers to a medical procedure that involves the visual examination of the area beneath the pharynx, which is commonly done using an endoscope.
