A stethoscope is an examination aid that is commonly used by doctors. This tool is used to listen to sounds from inside the body, one of which is to hear the sound of heartbeats and detect abnormalities.
In addition to hearing the sound of heartbeats, the stethoscope can also be used to listen to other sounds from the body, such as breathing or intestinal sounds. The type and intensity of these sounds can help the doctor determine the diagnosis and assess the patient's condition.
Stethoscope Parts
Stethoscopes have various variants in material terms, and even digital stethoscopes are now available. Even so, the shape of this medical device in general remains the same. The stethoscope has four main parts that you need to know, namely:
1. Earpieces
Earpieces are part of a stethoscope mounted on the ear to hear sounds from internal organs. Generally earpieces are made of soft rubber. In addition to being more comfortable and painless when worn on the ear, rubber material can also help muffle the sound from outside.
2. Tubing
Tubing is part of a stethoscope in the form of a thin tube and long like a hose, which serves to channel sound from the diaphragm or bell to the earpieces.
3. Diaphragm
Diaphragm or diaphragm is part of a thin and flat membrane at the end of the head of the stethoscope, which is made of a circular plastic disk.
This diaphragm has a special function for listening to sounds or high frequency sounds, such as wheezing in the lungs. Some types of stethoscopes only have diaphragms, while others have diaphragms and bells.
4. Bell
The bell is the last part of the stethoscope which is circular and sticks behind the diaphragm. Its size is smaller than the diaphragm. Bell functions to listen to sounds or low frequency sounds, such as heart sounds.
More detailed function of the stethoscope
In general, the stethoscope serves to listen to the sound of the heartbeat, so that it can be known whether the heart beats correctly and has a normal rhythm. The results of this examination can be used as a benchmark to assess the condition of heart health.
Besides hearing the sound of the heartbeat, the stethoscope also functions to hear the sound of the lungs. Lung examination with a stethoscope is done to assess whether the breath sounds are normal or not.
The doctor will suspect breathing problems if there are abnormal breath sounds, usually accompanied by additional breath sounds, such as snoring or stridor and wheezing. Abnormal breath sounds can also be a weakening of breath sounds, or even not heard at all.
Not only that, a stethoscope can also be used to examine the abdominal area. Usually a stomach examination with a stethoscope is done to hear bowel sounds or noises. Increased or decreased bowel sounds can be an indicator of indigestion.
The stethoscope is not just an object that complements the doctor's appearance. This tool must be owned by a doctor because it is very useful to help doctors diagnose a patient's illness.
Komentar
Posting Komentar