The spelling of the word "lithoscope" can be broken down using IPA phonetic transcription. First, the 'litho' part starts with a voiced alveolar lateral approximant 'l', followed by a voiceless dental fricative 'θ', then a high front unrounded vowel 'i', a voiceless dental fricative 'θ' again, and finally an open-mid back rounded vowel 'o'. The '-scope' part begins with a voiceless alveolar fricative 's', followed by a voiced velar stop 'k', and ends with a voiced bilabial plosive 'p'. Together, these components create the correct spelling of the word "lithoscope".
A lithoscope is a medical instrument or device primarily used in urology and specifically designed for visual examination and observation of the urinary bladder. It is essentially an endoscope equipped with a light source and a viewing mechanism that allows clinicians or surgeons to examine the interior of the bladder.
The term "lithoscope" is derived from the Greek words "lithos" meaning stone and "skopein" meaning to view. Historically, it was initially developed as a means to diagnose and treat bladder stones (calculi), which were a common urological condition.
The typical lithoscope consists of a flexible or rigid tube-like structure, known as the endoscope, which is inserted into the patient's bladder through the urethra. This procedure, known as cystoscopy, enables the physician to visualize and inspect the bladder walls and structures in a live, real-time scenario, helping identify potential abnormalities or conditions, such as tumors, inflammation, or bladder stones.
Modern lithoscopes employ advanced fiber-optic technology or miniature cameras at the distal end of the instrument to transmit images to a monitor, providing a high-definition view of the bladder's interior. Some lithoscopes can also incorporate tools or mechanisms for biopsy, stone fragmentation, or other surgical interventions. Overall, the lithoscope serves as an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool in urology, assisting in accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of various urinary bladder conditions.
A cystoscope used for the detection of a stone in the bladder.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "lithoscope" is derived from two Greek roots. "Litho" means "stone" or "rock" in Greek, while "scope" derives from "skopein" which means "to see" or "to examine". Hence, "lithoscope" can be translated to "stone viewer" or "stone examiner".