tongue depressor
From Trekipedia
Tongue depressors were a flat object, typically made of wood or plastic, that were used by physicians to press down on a patient's tongue in order to make a visual inspection of the tissues at the back of the throat. Though they had largely fallen into disuse by the 23rd century, Dr. McCoy used them in physical examinations, stating that while medical technology was extremely capable, he would "still put my trust in a healthy pair of tonsils."[1]
Notes and References
- ↑ Roddenberry, Gene (Executive Producer). "The Man Trap". Star Trek, season 1, episode 1 (Production number 06). Directed by Marc Daniels. Written by George Clayton Johnson. Desilu Productions. 8 September 1966.