A speculum is a medical instrument used to widen body cavities or passages. It allows doctors to view the insides of a patient and take samples. There are different types of specula, including vaginal, ear, and nasal specula. They come in various sizes and shapes and can be made of metal or plastic.
A speculum is a medical instrument that is typically used to widen body cavities or passage openings, such as the vagina, anus, ear, or nostrils. When performing a speculum exam, a doctor or other medical professional can use the instrument to view the insides of a patient. Additionally, the devices can be used to hold a body passage or cavity open so that a sample of cells or other material can be taken. In Latin, the term means “mirror”.
Speculas come in an assortment of different sizes and shapes, depending on their specific purpose. Most are made from metal which can be sterilized after use. Some specula, especially those used in emergency rooms, are made of plastic and are intended for one-time use. In some cases, the instrument contains a tube that allows the user to look directly at the patient’s internal area.
One of the most common types of speculum is the vaginal speculum, which comes in a range of different sizes. This instrument dilates the vagina, allowing the gynecologist to see the patient’s cervix more easily. There are a wide variety of vaginal speculums that can be used by a gynecologist to perform an exam. Most of these devices have two blades and a handle. Once the blades have snapped into place, the handle can be locked in place by tightening a screw.
Many gynecologists use the Graves or Pederson pelvic exam speculum. The Graves is usually 3 to 4.75 inches (about 7.6 to 12.1 centimeters) long and generally contains blades 0.5 to 1.5 inches (about 1.3 to 3.8 centimeters) wide. Its lower blade is usually longer than its upper blade and is often used on sexually active women. The Pederson speculum, on the other hand, typically has a more tapered shape with narrower, flatter blades. Because of its small size, the Pederson instrument is commonly used on pediatric or elderly patients, as well as patients who have never been sexually active.
Another well-known type of specula is the ear or ear speculum. Usually shaped like a small funnel, it allows the user to see into the ear canal for the purpose of examining the eardrum. Similarly, nasal speculums allow for viewing inside the nostrils. These devices are typically hinged and have two flat blades with a handle. The blades are typically inserted into the nostrils, and as the handle is squeezed, the blades spread apart and open the nostrils for examination.
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