What process involves tapping various body parts during a medical examination?

The process that involves tapping various body parts during a medical examination is known as percussion. This technique is primarily used to assess the underlying structures of the body by producing sound, which can provide information about the condition of organs and tissues. By tapping on the body, a healthcare provider can identify areas that may be abnormal, such as fluid accumulation in the lungs or an enlarged organ. The different sounds produced by tapping over different parts of the body—such as hollow, dull, or flat—can indicate different health issues, making percussion a valuable tool in physical examinations.

In contrast, examination is a broader term that encompasses various techniques used to assess a patient's health, including physical inspection and asking questions about symptoms. Palpation refers specifically to the use of touch to feel the body for abnormalities, such as lumps or tenderness, which does not involve tapping. Auscultation is the practice of listening to the sounds made by internal organs, usually with a stethoscope, and is unrelated to the tapping action of percussion.