Endoscope

Definition

An endoscope is a medical instrument consisting of a flexible or rigid tube with an optical system used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity. It utilizes principles of geometric optics, particularly total internal reflection, to transmit light and images.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Endoscopes rely on total internal reflection within fiber optic cables to transmit light efficiently.
2. The critical angle for total internal reflection in an endoscope's fiber optic cable is determined by the refractive indices of the core and cladding materials.
3. Coherent fiber bundles in endoscopes ensure that the image remains intact from one end to the other.
4. Endoscopes often have lenses at their tips to focus images onto the fiber bundles for clear visualization.
5. Light sources attached to endoscopes illuminate internal structures, allowing detailed examination.

Review Questions

• How does total internal reflection facilitate the operation of an endoscope?
• What role do coherent fiber bundles play in maintaining image quality in an endoscope?
• Describe how light sources and lenses enhance the functionality of an endoscope.

Related terms

Total Internal Reflection: The phenomenon where light rays are completely reflected within a medium when they strike the boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle.

Fiber Optics: Flexible fibers made of glass or plastic that transmit light signals using total internal reflection.

Critical Angle: The minimum angle of incidence at which total internal reflection occurs for light traveling from a medium with higher refractive index to one with lower refractive index.