What is the process of listening for sounds in the body called?

The process of listening for sounds in the body is called auscultation. This technique is essential in medical examinations, as it allows healthcare professionals to assess the condition of various organs, such as the heart and lungs, by listening to sounds produced during physiological activities. Common tools used for auscultation include stethoscopes, which amplify bodily sounds and help in diagnosing conditions based on the sounds heard, such as heart murmurs or abnormal lung sounds.

Other methods like palpation involve feeling the body with hands to detect abnormalities, while inspection involves visually examining the body for signs of disease. Percussion, on the other hand, is a technique where the body is tapped to produce sounds that indicate the presence of fluid or other abnormalities. Each method serves a distinct purpose, but auscultation specifically targets auditory analysis, making it the correct answer in this context.