Percussion
Overview
Illustrations
HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M
Definition
Percussion is a method of tapping body parts with fingers, hands, or small instruments as part of a physical examination. The purpose is to evaluate the size, consistency, borders, and presence or absence of fluid in body organs.
Percussion of a body part produces a sound -- like playing a drum -- that indicates the type of tissue within the organ:
- Lungs sound hollow on percussion because they are filled with air.
- Bones and joints sound solid.
- The abdomen sounds like a hollow organ filled with air, fluid, or solids.
Review Date: 1/22/2007
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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