Which term specifically refers to the examination of the esophagus only?

• A. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
• B. Esophagoscopy
• C. Endoscopy
• D. Gastroscopy

Answer: (B)

When we name a procedure that looks specifically at the esophagus, the term used is esophagoscopy. The root esophag(o)- means esophagus, and the suffix -scopy means to visually examine. This combination pinpoints the esophagus as the area being inspected.

In contrast, gastroscopy refers to examining the stomach, not the esophagus. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) describes inspecting the upper GI tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the duodenum—so it covers more than just the esophagus. Endoscopy is a general umbrella term for using a scope to view internal surfaces, but it does not specify which organ is being examined.