Final answer:
A stethoscope is primarily used in auscultation to listen to the sounds of the body, especially the heart, as a diagnostic tool in medical examinations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A stethoscope is usually used in the method of examination known as auscultation. This is a process where the clinician listens to the sounds of the body, typically the heart and lungs, to assess the state of a patient's health. One of the primary uses for a stethoscope is to listen to heart sounds, which can reveal a wealth of information about cardiac physiology. Auscultation is an effective diagnostic tool and is both safe and inexpensive. It has been used extensively for many years and remains a fundamental part of a physical examination in modern medicine. When auscultating the heart, proper placement of the bell of the stethoscope on the chest allows the clinician to hear different heart valves. Abnormal heart sounds may indicate valve or septal disorders, which can be further investigated with an echocardiogram if necessary.