What is the purpose of bronchoscopy?

The purpose of bronchoscopy is to visually examine the bronchi, which are the large air passages that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs. During a bronchoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end, known as a bronchoscope, is inserted into the nose or mouth and down into the lungs. This allows medical professionals to inspect the airways for abnormalities such as blockages, inflammation, tumors, or infections, as well as to collect tissue samples for further examination.

This procedure is specifically designed to focus on the respiratory system, particularly the structures involved in air conduction and gas exchange. Understanding the functionalities of the bronchi is crucial for diagnosing and treating various lung conditions. Other choices, such as examining the heart, measuring lung capacity, or testing for allergies, pertain to different diagnostic methods that do not involve the visual assessment of bronchi specifically.