A sphygmomanometer is a medical device used to measure blood pressure. It typically consists of an inflatable cuff that wraps around the arm, a measuring unit, and a bulb for inflating the cuff. When the cuff is inflated, it temporarily stops blood flow in the artery. As the cuff deflates, the device measures the pressure at which blood starts to flow again, providing two readings: systolic and diastolic pressure. This device is essential for monitoring cardiovascular health and diagnosing conditions like hypertension. Health professionals often use a stethoscope alongside a sphygmomanometer to listen to the heartbeat while taking measurements.