Head and Throat examination

The HEENT, or Head, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Exam is usually the initial part of a general physical exam, after the vital signs. Like other parts of the physical exam, it begins with inspection, and then proceeds to palpation. It requires the use of several special instruments in order to inspect the eyes and ears, and special techniques to assess their special sensory function. This module reviews some of the relevant surface anatomy and describes the basic HEENT exam. The module includes an introduction to use of the ophthalmoscope.