AON Assessment Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The diaphragm of a stethoscope is specifically designed to detect high-pitched sounds. It is a flat, circular piece of flexible material that is placed against the patient’s body. When the diaphragm is pressed onto the skin, it vibrates and captures the high-frequency sounds produced by the heart, lungs, and other bodily functions. This makes the diaphragm particularly effective for auscultating normal heart sounds and breath sounds, which are generally higher in pitch.

In contrast, the bell of the stethoscope is better suited for low-pitched sounds, such as certain heart murmurs or venous sounds. The tubing serves mainly as a conductor for the sounds collected by the diaphragm or bell but does not directly analyze sound frequencies. The filter can be a part of modern stethoscope design to enhance sound quality. However, the main role of hearing higher-pitched sounds is fulfilled by the diaphragm itself, establishing its importance in clinical assessments.