PHARYNGOSCOPY Meaning and
Definition
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Pharyngoscopy refers to a medical procedure used to examine the pharynx, which is the anatomical structure located behind the nasal cavity and oral cavity, and at the back of the throat. It involves the use of a pharyngoscope, which is a specialized instrument designed for visualizing and evaluating the pharynx.
During a pharyngoscopy, the pharyngoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose into the pharynx, allowing the healthcare professional to obtain a clear view of the pharyngeal area. The procedure is typically performed by otolaryngologists, also known as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, or other medical professionals trained in the field.
Pharyngoscopy is conducted for diagnostic purposes, to investigate various conditions and disorders affecting the pharynx. These may include infections, inflammation, tumors, structural abnormalities, or foreign bodies lodged in the pharynx. It helps in identifying the source of symptoms like persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or chronic cough.
Depending on the circumstances, pharyngoscopy may be carried out using a rigid pharyngoscope, which offers a more rigid and stable view, or a flexible pharyngoscope, which provides a more versatile examination by adapting to the natural curves of the pharynx.
Overall, pharyngoscopy plays an essential role in the comprehensive evaluation of pharyngeal health, allowing for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning for conditions affecting this vital part of the upper respiratory and digestive systems.
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Inspection and examination of the pharynx.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHARYNGOSCOPY
- oharyngoscopy
- lharyngoscopy
- 0haryngoscopy
- pgaryngoscopy
- pbaryngoscopy
- pnaryngoscopy
- pjaryngoscopy
- puaryngoscopy
- pyaryngoscopy
- phzryngoscopy
- phsryngoscopy
- phwryngoscopy
- phqryngoscopy
- phaeyngoscopy
- phadyngoscopy
- phafyngoscopy
- phatyngoscopy
- pha5yngoscopy
- pha4yngoscopy
- phartngoscopy
Etymology of PHARYNGOSCOPY
The word "pharyngoscopy" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots - "pharynx" and "skopein".
- The word "pharynx" (φάρυγξ) refers to the part of the throat that connects the mouth and nasal passages with the esophagus and larynx. In Greek, "pharynx" comes from the verb "pharýssein" (φαρύσσειν), which means "to gape" or "to open wide".
- The root "skopein" (σκοπεῖν) means "to look" or "to examine" in Greek, as it is derived from the word "skopos" (σκόπος), meaning "target" or "watcher".
