Which procedure allows direct visualization of the bladder and urethra?

The procedure that allows for direct visualization of the bladder and urethra is cystoscopy. During cystoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light source, known as a cystoscope, is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. This allows healthcare providers to see the internal structures of the bladder and urethra in real time, facilitating the diagnosis of conditions such as infections, tumors, or other abnormalities.

In contrast, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and X-ray imaging do not provide direct visualization of these structures. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the organs, which can show the bladder but lacks the detailed internal view offered by cystoscopy. CT scans and X-rays are imaging techniques used to assess the anatomy and structure of various body parts but do not involve direct visual access to the urethra or bladder.