Final answer:
Endoscopy is a procedure involving the use of an endoscope, a device that allows doctors to inspect internal body structures through natural orifices or small incisions, commonly used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The insertion of a tubular, flexible instrument into a body channel or cavity for the purpose of introducing or withdrawing fluid is known as endoscopy. This procedure employs an endoscope, a type of medical device. Endoscopes allow physicians to explore internal body structures through natural openings or small incisions. They transmit light through fiber optic bundles to illuminate internal tissues, while a separate set of fibers transmits reflected light back to the physician, allowing them to observe the affected area.
Endoscopes are often used in diagnostic procedures, such as examining the upper gastrointestinal tract for peptic ulcers, and therapeutic interventions, like arthroscopic surgery or the removal of polyps. The versatility of the endoscope is enhanced by channels that can accommodate surgical tools or enable sampling, both of which contribute to a wide range of medical applications.