Which part of the stethoscope is used to auscultate high-frequency sounds?

The diaphragm of a stethoscope is specifically designed to auscultate high-frequency sounds. It is a flat, circular piece that vibrates against the skin when placed over a body surface, converting sound waves into audible sounds that can be heard through the earpieces. The diaphragm works best for detecting high-frequency sounds such as bowel sounds and normal heart sounds due to its ability to effectively transmit these frequencies.

The other components of the stethoscope serve different purposes. The bell, for example, is used to detect low-frequency sounds, such as certain heart murmurs or vascular sounds. The tubing serves solely as a conduit for sound transmission from the diaphragm or bell to the earpieces and does not play a role in differentiating sound frequencies. Lastly, the earpieces are designed for comfortable fit and sound transmission into the ears but do not directly contribute to the auscultation process.