What is the correct term for listening during a physical examination?

The correct term for listening during a physical examination is auscultation. This practice involves using a stethoscope or simply listening to the sounds within the body to assess the functioning of internal organs, most commonly the heart and lungs. By capturing sounds such as heartbeats or lung sounds, healthcare providers can gather vital information about a patient's health status and detect potential abnormalities.

The other terms, while related to physical examinations, refer to different techniques. Percussion involves tapping on the body to assess underlying structures, palpation is the technique of using the hands to examine the body and assess texture, size, and location of organs, and inspection refers to the visual examination of the body for any signs of disease or abnormalities. Each of these methods serves a distinct purpose in a clinical assessment, but auscultation specifically pertains to the act of listening.