What is the term for examination by tapping the surface to determine the density of a body area?

The term for examination by tapping the surface to determine the density of a body area is percussion. This technique is used primarily in medical contexts to assess underlying structures by producing sounds based on the density of tissues. When the body is tapped, different densities will create different resonances – for example, a fluid-filled area may produce a different sound than a solid structure.

Percussion can help diagnose various conditions by providing immediate auditory feedback regarding the state of internal organs, fluids, and even masses. This technique is commonly utilized by healthcare professionals as part of a physical exam to gather information that may not be readily available through visual inspection alone.

Other methods listed have distinct meanings: inspection involves visually examining the body; palpation refers to using hands to feel underlying structures and abnormal masses; and auscultation pertains to listening to sounds made by internal organs, typically with a stethoscope. Each of these methods serves specific purposes in clinical assessment, but percussion is the specific technique associated with the tapping of the surface to evaluate density.