Medical Instruments - English for Medicine

Vocabulary flashcards covering common medical instruments, their descriptions, images, and clinical uses.

Stethoscope

A tool used to listen to the internal sounds of a patient’s body, usually the heart and lungs, consisting of earpieces, tubing, and a diaphragm. Commonly used to listen to heartbeats, lung sounds, and blood flow.

Sphygmomanometer

A device used to measure blood pressure, typically including an inflatable cuff, a measuring gauge, and sometimes a stethoscope. Commonly used for measuring systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Thermometer

A device used to measure body temperature, which can be digital, mercury-based, or infrared. Commonly used to detect fever or hypothermia.

Otoscope

A handheld device with a light and magnifying lens used to examine the ear canal and eardrum. Commonly used for diagnosing ear infections or blockages.

Ophthalmoscope

A device used to examine the interior structures of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve. Commonly used to detect eye conditions like glaucoma or retinal detachment.

Reflex Hammer

A small, rubber-headed tool used by doctors to test deep tendon reflexes. Commonly used to check neurological function by tapping tendons.

Tongue Depressor

A flat, thin wooden or plastic stick used to press down the tongue for oral examination. Commonly used to examine the throat and oral cavity.

Syringe

A device consisting of a plunger that fits tightly in a tube used to inject or withdraw fluids. Commonly used for administering injections and drawing blood.

Scalpel

A small, sharp knife used for surgeries or dissections, featuring a straight handle and a replaceable blade. Commonly used for performing incisions during surgical procedures.

Forceps

Tweezer-like instruments used to grasp or hold tissues or objects. Commonly used to manipulate tissues and remove foreign bodies.

Tuning Fork

A two-pronged metal device that vibrates at a specific frequency when struck. Commonly used to test hearing and vibration sensation.

Pulse Oximeter

A small, clip-like device that attaches to a finger to measure the oxygen saturation of the blood. Commonly used for monitoring oxygen levels in patients with respiratory conditions.

IV Cannula

A small, flexible tube inserted into a vein to administer fluids or medications. Commonly used for intravenous therapy and medication administration.

Defibrillator

A device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest. Commonly used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation.

Glucose Meter

A device that measures the concentration of glucose in the blood, typically using a small drop of blood from a finger prick. Commonly used for monitoring blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

Laryngoscope

A tool with a light and a blade used to view the larynx and vocal cords, often used during intubation. Commonly used to assist in the placement of a breathing tube.

Speculum

A tool used to hold open a body cavity for examination, commonly used in gynecological exams such as vaginal exams and Pap smears.