Definition of Endoscope

Endoscope: A lighted optical instrument used to get a deep look inside the body and examine organs such as the throat or esophagus. An endoscope can be rigid or flexible.

Specialized endoscopes are named depending where they are intended to look. Examples include: cystoscope (bladder), nephroscope (kidney), bronchoscope (bronchi), laryngoscope (larynx + the voice box), otoscope (ear), arthroscope (joint), laparoscope (abdomen), and gastrointestinal endoscopes.