Final answer:
A rigid bronchoscope is a specialized type of endoscope used in a bronchoscopy to view a patient's bronchi by being inserted through the mouth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Might is performing a procedure known as a bronchoscopy to view the bronchi of his patient. He is using a rigid bronchoscope, which is inserted through the mouth. Bronchoscopes are special types of endoscopes designed specifically for viewing the airways. The primary function of the bronchi within the bronchial tree is to provide a passageway for air to move into and out of each lung. An endoscope transmits light down a fiber bundle to illuminate internal parts, and reflected light is sent back for observation, either through an eyepiece or to a video screen. In this medical procedure, the flexibility of the device ensures that the physician can observe the intricate branching of the bronchi within the lungs and perform necessary diagnostics or treatments.