A stethoscope is a medical instrument used to listen to the sounds of the internal organs of the body, such as the heart, lungs, and stomach. This instrument was first invented by French physician Rene Lineck in 1816. Since then, it has become an essential part of medical science. Doctors can diagnose diseases and monitor various conditions of the body using a stethoscope.
Different Parts of a Stethoscope and their Correct Use
A stethoscope is mainly divided into three main parts, namely, the headpiece or chestpiece, tubing, and earpiece. Each part performs a specific function and works together to clear the sounds inside the body and reach the doctor’s ears. To know the price list of different types of stethoscopes, visit e-commerce marketplace Bdstall.com.
1. Headpiece or Chestpiece Stethoscope
The headpiece or chestpiece is the most important part of the stethoscope, which is placed directly on the patient’s body. It is usually made up of two parts, a diaphragm and a bell.
Diaphragm: This is a flat, round, and rigid part of the chestpiece that is used to listen to high-frequency sounds, such as heart rate, lung sounds, and Korotkoff sounds produced during blood pressure measurements. When using the diaphragm, it is placed lightly on the body so that there is no gap between the skin and the diaphragm. If there is a gap, the desired results will not be obtained.
Bell: The bell of the stethoscope is on the other side of the chestpiece and looks small, cup-shaped. The bell works to listen to low-frequency sounds. It is used to listen to soft and low-pitched sounds, such as heart murmurs or bowel sounds. When using the bell, it is placed very lightly on the skin, so that it does not press on the skin. If the bell is pressed too hard, it starts acting like a diaphragm and low-frequency sounds cannot be heard properly.
2. Tubing Stethoscope
The tubing is a flexible tube that carries sound from the chestpiece to the earpiece. Modern stethoscopes usually use either a single tube or a double tube.
Single tube: This is a simple tube that is compact and lightweight. It is mostly used in simple stethoscopes.
Double tube: It consists of two separate tubes that are connected to two earpieces separately from the chestpiece. This type of tube reduces noise pollution and makes the sound clearer. This type of tube is usually used in cardiology stethoscopes, as it is used to hear the subtle sounds of the heart.
3. Earpiece Stethoscope
This is the part of the stethoscope that enters the doctor’s ear. The earpieces are usually made of soft rubber. They fit comfortably inside the ear so that outside noise cannot enter.
Earpiece tips: The soft, comfortable part at the end of the earpiece is the earpiece tips. These tips are made to fit well in the hollow part of the ear so that outside noise cannot enter and internal sounds can be heard clearly.
Eartube: The eartube is connected to the metal tube of the earpiece tips of the stethoscope. The eartubes are bent at a specific angle that is set with the natural angle of the ear canal. When placed correctly inside the ear, the internal sound is directed directly and effectively towards the eardrum. As a result, the sound signal can be heard correctly.
In addition, there are some other parts of the stethoscope, such as the stem that connects the chestpiece to the tubing, and the spring that holds the eartubes together and helps maintain a certain pressure for ear comfort.
