(spek′yŭ-lŭm)
(-lă)

pl. specula [L. speculum, a mirror]

1. An instrument for examination of canals or hollow organs. VAR: eyelid speculum.

bivalve speculum

A speculum with two opposed blades that can be separated or closed.
SEE: vaginal speculum

duck-bill speculum

A bivalve speculum with wide blades, used to inspect the vagina and cervix.

ear speculum

A short, funnel-shaped tube, tubular or bivalve (the former being preferable), used to examine the external auditory canal and eardrum.

eye speculum

A device for separating the eyelids. Plated steel wire, plain, Luer, Von Graefe, and Steven are the most common types.

Pedersen speculum

A small vaginal speculum for examining prepubertal patients or others with small vaginal orifices.

vaginal speculum

A speculum, usually with two opposing portions that, after being inserted, can be pushed apart for examining the vagina and cervix. It should be warmed before use.