Final answer:
Auscultation is a diagnostic technique used to observe the sounds of the body, most often done with a stethoscope. In the context of the question, auscultation refers to listening to the sounds of the heart.
Step-by-step explanation:
Auscultation is a diagnostic technique used to observe the sounds of the body using a stethoscope.
In the context of the question, auscultation refers to listening to the sounds of the heart. When a clinician performs auscultation of the heart, they place the stethoscope on the patient's antecubital region and listen for the Korotkoff sounds to evaluate the state of the heart. These sounds can provide valuable information about the functioning of the heart and detect any abnormalities.