Final answer:
An ophthalmoscope is the instrument used to examine the inner structure of the eye, using a light source and a series of lenses to view the retina and other internal components.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lighted instrument used to examine the inner structure of the eye is called an ophthalmoscope. While the description provided references microscopes and endoscopes, which are indeed valuable tools in medicine and biology, the specific device for examining the eye is the ophthalmoscope. It is an optical instrument that allows healthcare professionals to look inside the fundus of the eye and other structures using a light source and a series of lenses for magnification.
The ophthalmoscope operates by shining a beam of light into the eye and observing the reflected light through an adjustable lens system, which allows the examiner to view the retina, optic disc, and blood vessels. Unlike a light microscope that uses visible light to magnify specimens, or an endoscope for exploring the body's interior via incisions or natural orifices, the ophthalmoscope is specifically designed for the eye's anatomy.