ABSTRACT
An endoscope often consists of a rigid or flexible tube, a light delivery system, an image relay system, and in many cases, an instrument/biopsy channel. To support the proper functioning of an endoscope, dedicated electronics and mechanical parts, water, and air supply are also part of a complete endoscopy system. In a rigid tube endoscope, rod lenses, prisms, and other rigid optical components are used to relay both the illumination light and the image. It is often called a rigid endoscope. Rigid endoscopes are often used in shallow and easy-to-access body cavities such as the nose and throat. It is also used for normally closed body cavities through a small incision such as the abdominal or pelvic cavity (laparoscope) and the interior of a joint (arthroscope).
