Tongue depressor
Tongue Depressor
A tongue depressor (pronunciation: /ˈtʌŋ dɪˈprɛsər/) is a tool used in medical practice to depress the tongue to allow for examination of the mouth and throat. The term is most commonly used to describe a thin, flat, wooden implement, smoothed and rounded at both ends, but now comes in various materials and for various uses.
Etymology
The term "tongue depressor" comes from the Latin words "lingua" which means tongue, and "deprimere" which means to press down.
Usage
The primary use of a tongue depressor is to hold down the tongue to ensure that the throat and mouth can be viewed clearly during a medical examination. This allows the doctor to check for any abnormalities or signs of illness.
Tongue depressors may also be used in other medical procedures, such as applying or mixing medicines, or in the creation of splints for finger injuries.
Related Terms
- Oral examination: A routine procedure performed by healthcare professionals to check for signs of oral cancer, dental disease, and other health issues.
- Throat examination: A medical procedure that involves the inspection of the throat for signs of disease.
- Medical equipment: Tools, machines, and devices that are used in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and other medical conditions.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tongue depressor
- Wikipedia's article - Tongue depressor
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