Tongue depressor

A tongue depressor is a device used in medical practice to depress the tongue to allow for examination of the mouth and throat. The most common modern tongue depressors have thin wooden blade, smoothed and rounded at both ends,[1] but historically tongue depressors have been made of a variety of materials.[2] Since they are inexpensive and difficult to clean, wooden tongue depressors are normally labeled for disposal after a single use.[3]

Hobbyists and teachers have found a multitude of uses for tongue depressors (sometimes called "craft sticks" or "Meyerhoffer sticks") in their projects.[4][5] Tongue depressors may be used to form so-called "stick bombs".

Earlier versions of depressors were made from balsa, pine or redwood woods. Instances exist from the American Civil War, made from wood and metal. [6]

References

  1. ^ Mirriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, Online.
  2. ^ Cohen, J Solis. Diseases of the Throat and Nasal Passages: A Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Affections of the Pharynx, Oesophagus, Trachea, Larynx, and Nares. Chapter II, Examination of the Throat and Nasal Passages. Published by W. Wood, 1884, 742 pp.
  3. ^ Landro, L. Hospitals Reuse Medical Devices To Lower Costs Wall Street Journal March 19, 2008.
  4. ^ Kent Wood, Ric LaBan. N Scale Model Railroad That Grows Kalmbach Publishing, Co., 1996.
  5. ^ LaBritta Gilbert, Linda Greigg. Do touch: instant, easy hands-on learning experiences for young children Published by Gryphon House, Inc., 1989.
  6. ^ Echols, M. Items on the 1865 inventory list of the Conesus, N.Y. Military Hospital, June 2010.