What Are the Parts of a Stethoscope?

Stethoscopes are an important part of the diagnostic process. Sounds that are produced by the human heart, lungs and digestive system are often best heard through a stethoscope instead of more complicated electronic instruments.

Origins

• The modern stethoscope was invented in the early 19th century by René-Théophile-Hyacinthe Laennec, a physician in Paris. It was designed with only a single aural tube.

Earpieces

• The earpieces are fitted into the ears and are typically rubberized for comfort and to isolate from external sounds. They are designed to transmit sounds directly into the ears.

Ear Tubes

• The ear tubes attach the earpieces to the main body of the stethoscope. They are typically constructed of metal and consist of hollow tubes that are ideally suited to transmitting low-frequency sound.

Acoustic Tubes

• The acoustic tube connects the ear tubes to the chestpiece and is a flexible tube made of a rubberized material. The acoustic tubing can be filled with different materials to best transmit sound from the patient to the health-care provider.

Chestpiece

• The chestpiece is constructed of metal and is typically double-sided to work for differently sized patients and different areas of the body. The chestpiece has deep cups that capture sounds from the target area and may be ringed with a "chill ring" to keep the patient from being uncomfortable when touched by the cold metal chestpiece.