Final answer:
The flat side of a stethoscope is called the diaphragm, used to hear high-frequency sounds; the cup-shaped side is the bell, for low-frequency sounds. Proper use in auscultation is essential in cardiac examinations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The flat side of the stethoscope chest piece is known as the diaphragm, and the cup-shaped side is called the bell.
Auscultation, the act of listening to the sounds made by the body during a physical examination, is facilitated by the use of a stethoscope, particularly its chest piece which has two sides, diaphragm and bell. The diaphragm is a large, flat surface that is better for hearing high-frequency sounds such as breathing, bowel, and normal heart sounds.
In contrast, the bell is best for picking up low-frequency sounds, such as certain heart murmurs. Each side has specific applications with the bell side being placed on various locations on the chest to hear heart valves during cardiac physiology assessments. Correct placement is critical for a proper diagnosis and understanding the heart's health.