A bending section (2a-k) for an endoscope is provided with a bending mechanism which minimises the diameter of the bending section (2a-k) and permits a substantial amount of bending. A first bending mechanism uses fluid pressure in an axially aligned chamber (11a, 11b) in an elastic body (3a-g) of the bending section. Expansion-limiting elements (14) are used to restrict the expansion of the bending section (2a-j) to the axial direction alone, and to protect internal elements in the bending section (2a-j). A second bending mechanism uses a coil of shape-memorising alloy which surrounds the elastic body (3i) of the bending section (2k), and the coil of shape-memorising alloy is heated in order to determine the shape of the bending section (2k). <IMAGE>
