Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

What is the name of the tool used to look inside structures using a long, flexible lighted tube?

1. Ultrasound

2. X-ray machine

3. Endoscope

4. Otoscope

The correct answer is: Endoscope

The tool that is used to visualize internal structures with a long, flexible lighted tube is known as an endoscope. This instrument allows veterinary technicians and veterinarians to examine areas of a patient's body that are not easily accessible through standard examination techniques. Endoscopy can be utilized for various purposes including diagnostic procedures, biopsies, and even therapeutic interventions. Endoscopes consist of a camera and a light source at the end of a flexible tube, enabling practitioners to view images on a monitor in real-time. This procedure is non-invasive and often preferred for its minimal discomfort to the patient compared to more invasive surgical techniques. In contrast, while ultrasounds utilize sound waves to create images of internal organs, especially in soft tissues, they do not provide direct visualization as endoscopes do. An X-ray machine generates radiographic images, allowing for examination of bones and some internal structures but also lacks the capability for direct observation. An otoscope is specifically designed for examining the ears, providing a narrower range of examination compared to the versatile applications of an endoscope.