Final answer:
A colposcopy is the medical procedure used to closely examine the cervix and vagina for signs of disease, distinct from a Pap smear which collects cells for analysis, or laparoscopy which inspects the abdomen visually.
Step-by-step explanation:
The procedure to examine the vagina and cervix is known as colposcopy. This method is used to closely evaluate the cervix and vagina for signs of disease. The process is similar to a Pap smear but provides a more detailed view.
In contrast, laparoscopy involves the inspection of the abdomen and is used for diagnosing conditions like endometriosis. It involves inserting a camera through the abdominal wall to visualize the internal organs. A hysteroscopy is used to inspect the inside of the uterus, while a culdoscopy provides a view into the pelvic cavity through the vaginal wall but is less common today.
Note that while a Pap smear involves collecting cells from the cervix for examination by a cytotechnologist to detect conditions such as cervical cancer, it is not the same as a colposcopy which allows direct visual inspection.