Endoscope comprising a bending section having individual segments

An endoscope comprising:

• a handle or interface;
• and
• an insertion cord configured to be inserted into a patient's body cavity and comprising an insertion tube and a bending section extending distally from the insertion tube, the bending section comprising:
• segments including a proximal end segment, a distal end segment, and intermediate segments between the proximal end segment and the distal end segment, the intermediate segments being separate annular or tubular segments, each of the intermediate segments having a body with an outer circumferential side or surface and an inner circumferential side of surface, the inner circumferential surface defining an inner lumen, the intermediate segments comprising first intermediate segments and second intermediate segments, the first intermediate segments and the second intermediate segments arranged alternately one after the other in a proximal-distal direction, each of the first intermediate segments including stabilizing protrusions extending longitudinally from the body, and each of the second intermediate segments including axially extending grooves, the axially extending grooves extending lengthwise and radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the body toward, but not reaching, the inner circumferential surface,
• wherein hinges between the first intermediate segments and the second intermediate segments are formed by hinge protrusions engaging in hinge recesses,
• wherein steering wire portions run on the inner lumen of the first intermediate segments and within the axially extending grooves of the second intermediate segments and keep the first intermediate segments and the second intermediate segments together, and
• wherein the stabilizing protrusions of the first intermediate segments are accommodated in the axially extending grooves of the second intermediate segments.