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Inspection

In medical terms, "inspection" means to look at the person or body part. It is the first step in a physical exam.

Review Date: 4/1/2025

Reviewed By

Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

References

Swartz MH, Swartz TH. The physical examination. In: Swartz MH, ed. Swartz Textbook of Physical Diagnosis. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 6.

Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company; 2021. www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/762104/0/inspection?q=Inspection. Accessed April 1, 2025.

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Inspection

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