Final answer:
The examination method using pressure applied by the fingers or hands to assess the body is called palpation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method of examination that uses slight or forcible pressure applied by the tips of the fingers, the whole hand, or both hands to the body part is called palpation. It is a technique used in physical examinations to assess the condition of a patient's tissues, organs, or other parts of the body.
For example, during palpation, a medical professional might check for lumps in a patient's thyroid gland or assess the texture and size of the liver.
Auscultation involves listening to internal sounds using a stethoscope, while percussion is the act of tapping on a surface to discover the underlying structure, and inspection is the visual examination of the body.