Stethoscope
Stethoscope
A stethoscope (/stɛθəskoʊp/; from the Greek words stethos (chest) and scope (examination)) is a medical device used for auscultation, or listening to the internal sounds of a patient's body. It is often used to listen to lung and heart sounds, as well as intestinal and blood flow noises.
History
The stethoscope was invented in France in 1816 by René Laennec at the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital. It consisted of a long, hollow wooden tube. Modern stethoscopes are made of flexible tubing and are much more portable and convenient.
Types
There are two main types of stethoscopes: acoustic and electronic. Acoustic stethoscopes operate on the transmission of sound from the chest piece, via air-filled hollow tubes, to the listener's ears. The chest piece usually consists of two sides that can be placed against the patient for sensing sound — a diaphragm (plastic disc) or bell (hollow cup). Electronic stethoscopes amplify body sounds electronically by converting acoustic sound waves to electrical signals which can then be amplified for optimal listening.
Usage
Stethoscopes are used by a variety of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and paramedics. They are essential tools in the fields of cardiology and respiratory medicine, but are also used across a range of medical disciplines.
Related Terms
- Auscultation: The act of listening to body sounds, usually with a stethoscope.
- Diaphragm (stethoscope): The part of the stethoscope that is placed against the patient to sense sound.
- Bell (stethoscope): The hollow cup part of the stethoscope that is placed against the patient to sense sound.
- Cardiology: The study of the heart and its functions in health and disease.
- Respiratory medicine: The branch of medicine that deals with the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases affecting the lungs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stethoscope
- Wikipedia's article - Stethoscope
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