What examination method involves listening to the sounds of the body?

The examination method that involves listening to the sounds of the body is auscultation. This technique is commonly used by healthcare professionals to assess the internal sounds produced by the heart, lungs, and other organs. By utilizing a stethoscope, clinicians can hear crucial indicators of health, such as heartbeats, breathing patterns, and any abnormal sounds like wheezing or murmurs. Auscultation plays a pivotal role in diagnosing various conditions, as changes or irregularities in these sounds can signify underlying health issues that require further investigation or immediate action.

The other options involve different examination techniques: percussion involves tapping on the body to evaluate structures beneath the surface, palpation refers to feeling the body with hands to identify abnormalities, and observation entails visually examining the patient's appearance and behavior for signs of health problems. Each of these methods serves its own purpose but does not involve listening to bodily sounds as auscultation does.