Editing Endoscope (section)

== Classification ==
[[File:Rigid_endoscope.jpg|thumb|A rigid endoscope]]
[[File:PENTAX Colonoscope001.jpg|thumb|A flexible endoscope]]
There are many different types of endoscopes for medical examination, so are their classification methods. Generally speaking, the following three classifications are more common:

* According to functions of the endoscope: 
** single-function endoscope: A single-function endoscope refers to an observation mirror that only has an optical system with it. 
** multi-function endoscope: For a multi-functional endoscope, in addition to the function of observation, it also has at least one working channel like lighting, surgery, flushing and other functions.
* According to detection areas reached by the endoscope:  
** [[Enteroscopy|enteroscope]]
** [[otoscope]]
** [[Colonoscopy|colonoscope]]
** [[Rhinoscopy|rhinoscope]]
** [[Arthroscopy|arthroscope]]
** [[Laparoscopy|laparoscope]]
** etc.
* According to rigidity of the endoscope:  
** rigid endoscope: A rigid endoscope is a [[Prism (optics)|prismatic]] optical system with advantages of clear imaging, multiple working channels and multiple viewpoints.
** flexible endoscope: A flexible endoscope is an [[Optical fiber|optical-fiber]]-based system. Notable features of a flexible endoscope include that the lens can be manipulated by the operator to change direction, but the imaging quality is not as good as a rigid one.