Which term describes the visual examination of the vagina and cervix using a colposcope?

Which term describes the visual examination of the vagina and cervix using a colposcope?

• A. Colposcopy
• B. Colposcope
• C. Biopsy
• D. Cryosurgery

Answer: (A)

Colposcopy is the act of visually examining the vagina and cervix using a colposcope. The word parts show that -scopy means viewing, so the procedure is about looking at the tissues with magnified, well-lit visualization provided by the colposcope. The device itself is called a colposcope, which is why one choice refers to the instrument, not the examination. Biopsy would involve taking tissue samples during the exam, and cryosurgery is a freezing treatment—neither describes the act of viewing.

Colposcopy is the act of visually examining the vagina and cervix using a colposcope. The word parts show that -scopy means viewing, so the procedure is about looking at the tissues with magnified, well-lit visualization provided by the colposcope. The device itself is called a colposcope, which is why one choice refers to the instrument, not the examination. Biopsy would involve taking tissue samples during the exam, and cryosurgery is a freezing treatment—neither describes the act of viewing.