What instrument is used to visualize the bronchi and bronchioles?

• A. Endoscope
• B. Bronchoscope
• C. Stethoscope
• D. Thoracoscope

Answer: (B)

The bronchoscope is specifically designed for visualizing the bronchi and bronchioles, making it the ideal instrument for this purpose. The bronchoscope is a flexible tube equipped with a light and camera, allowing healthcare professionals to directly observe the airways, assess for abnormalities such as inflammation, tumors, or foreign bodies, and even perform biopsies or other interventions if necessary.

Other instruments listed serve different purposes: an endoscope is typically used for examining the gastrointestinal tract; a stethoscope is used for auscultation of heart and lung sounds; and a thoracoscope is intended for visualizing the thoracic cavity, generally used in the context of more invasive procedures rather than direct visualization of the airways. This distinction clarifies why the bronchoscope is the appropriate choice for directly observing the structures involved in respiratory function.