and observed thereby facilitating the deposit of semen into the vagina. Cylindrical shape Ferguson Glass speculum Veda-scope (dilating vaginal speculum) One blade Two blades (bivalved) Three blades Rectal Vaginal specula are also used for anal surgery, although several other forms of anal specula exist. One form, the anoscope, resembles a tube that has a removable bullet-shaped insert. When the anoscope is inserted into the anus, the insert dilates the anus to the diameter of the tube. The insert is then removed, leaving the tube to allow examination of the lower rectum and anus. This style of anal speculum is one of the oldest designs for surgical instruments still in use, with examples dating back many centuries. The sigmoidoscope can be further advanced into the lower intestinal tract and requires an endoscopic set-up. Tubal shape Aniscope One blade Czerny Two blades Three blades Alan Park Cook Mathieu Nasal Nasal specula have two relatively flat blades with handle. The instrument is hinged so that when the handles are squeezed together the blades spread laterally, allowing examination. Additionally, the Thudichum nasal speculum is commonly used in the outpatient examination of the nose. Aural Ear or aural specula resemble a funnel, and come in a variety of sizes. Eyelid For opthalmic surgery such as cataract surgery, a speculum designed to retract the eyelids is used. Oral In veterinary medicine, a McPherson Speculum can be used for oral examination. The speculum helps keep the mouth open during the exam and helps avoid biting injuries. Non-medical use Specula are used for sexual pleasure, both vaginally and anally. See also References Rediker, Marcus Slave Ship:a human history Penguin Group, 2007, Page 33, graph 2 : " The man had attempted to cut his own throat and had succeeded in " dividing only the external jugular vein." (To force feed him (the slave) the ships doctor would need to use the speculum oris, "...the long thin mechanical contraption used to force open unwilling throats to receive gruel and hence sustenance." External links Gynaecology Medical equipment