What is the function of a bronchoscope?

The primary function of a bronchoscope is to examine the bronchi, which are the major air passages from the trachea to the lungs. This tool allows healthcare professionals to visualize the airways directly, helping to diagnose, monitor, and treat various conditions affecting the respiratory system. By providing a clear view of the bronchi, a bronchoscope can aid in identifying abnormalities such as tumors, infections, inflammation, and blockages.

While the bronchoscope can also facilitate procedures such as lung biopsies, its main purpose remains inspection and examination, which is why the assertion that it serves primarily to examine the bronchi is accurate. The other choices relate to functions that are either not specific to bronchoscopy or are performed using different instruments. For instance, measuring lung capacity typically involves spirometry rather than direct visualization, and while oxygen delivery is a critical component of respiratory care, it does not pertain to the functionality of a bronchoscope.