Pronunciation: [ɹˈa͡ɪnəskˌə͡ʊp] (IPA) 
Rhinoscope is an instrument used by doctors to examine the inside of a person's nose. The word is spelled "r-i-n-o-s-c-o-p-e" and is pronounced /ˈraɪ.noʊ.skəʊp/. The "r" at the beginning of the word is pronounced with a slight roll of the tongue. The "i" is pronounced like "eye", and the "o" is pronounced like "oh". The stress in the word is on the second syllable. The "e" at the end of the word is silent.
A rhinoscope is a specialized medical instrument used for examining and diagnosing conditions related to the nasal passages, specifically the nasal cavity and the pharynx. It is a slender, tube-like device consisting of a metal or plastic tube with a light source and a lens at the tip. The rhinoscope may be rigid or flexible, depending on the specific application.
The rhinoscope is designed to be inserted into the nasal cavity, allowing physicians, typically otolaryngologists or ear, nose, and throat specialists, to visualize and assess the structures and tissues within the nasal passages. It provides a direct view of the nasal mucosa, sinuses, and nasal septum, facilitating the detection of abnormalities such as polyps, tumors, infections, or obstructions.
During a rhinoscopy procedure, the rhinoscope is gently inserted into the nostril until it reaches the desired depth, without causing any discomfort or pain to the patient. The light source illuminates the area being examined, while the lens transmits the images to a camera or eyepiece for visualization and analysis. In some cases, the rhinoscope may also be equipped with small surgical tools to enable biopsy or removal of tissue samples for further analysis.
The use of a rhinoscope provides valuable diagnostic information for various nasal conditions and helps guide appropriate treatment strategies. It is an essential tool in the field of otolaryngology, enabling accurate evaluations and targeted interventions in the nasal passages for optimal patient care.
A small mirror attached at a suitable angle to a rod-like handle, used in posterior rhinoscopy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word rhinoscope has its roots in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: rhinos, which means nose, and skopein, which means to see or to examine. Combining these two words, the term rhinoscope literally means nasal scope or instrument to examine the nose.
