Sphygmoscopy is a medical term used to describe a diagnostic procedure used to examine the pulse. The word is spelled with the letters "s-p-h-y-g-m-o-s-c-o-p-y" and is pronounced as /sfɪɡˈmɑːskəpi/. The first part of the word "sphygm" refers to the pulse, while "scopy" refers to the visual examination. Hence, the word "sphygmoscopy" essentially means the visual examination of the pulse. This term is commonly used by doctors and medical practitioners during physical examinations and helps in diagnosing various cardiovascular conditions.
Sphygmoscopy is a medical procedure that involves the examination and measurement of blood pressure and arterial pulsations in order to assess the health and condition of the cardiovascular system. This technique is typically performed using a sphygmomanometer, which consists of an inflatable cuff, a pressure gauge, and a stethoscope.
During sphygmoscopy, the cuff is placed on the upper arm and inflated to a pressure higher than the arterial pressure. Then, the pressure is gradually released while the healthcare provider listens to the sounds produced by the blood flow using the stethoscope. These sounds, known as Korotkoff sounds, are produced as the blood flows through the constricted artery when the cuff pressure is just below the systolic pressure. The systolic pressure, or the highest pressure exerted on arterial walls during each heartbeat, and the diastolic pressure, or the lowest pressure between heartbeats, can be determined by monitoring these sounds.
Sphygmoscopy is a widely used technique in medical practice to screen for hypertension, monitor blood pressure in patients with cardiovascular diseases, and aid in the diagnosis and management of various cardiovascular conditions. It provides valuable insights into the elasticity of blood vessels, efficiency of blood flow, and overall cardiovascular function. Continuous advancements in technology have also led to the development of automated blood pressure monitors, which offer a more convenient and efficient alternative to the traditional sphygmoscopy technique.
Examination of the pulse.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "sphygmoscopy" is derived from two Greek roots:
1. "Sphygmos" (σφυγμός) - This root means "pulse" or "beating". It is derived from the verb "sphyzein" (σφύζω) which means "to throb" or "to beat". In medical terminology, "sphygmo-" is commonly used to refer to anything related to the pulse or the measurement of blood pressure.
2. "-scopy" (-σκοπία) - This suffix is derived from the Greek word "skopein" (σκοπεῖν), meaning "to look" or "to see". It is commonly used to indicate the act of examining or observing something.