A stethoscope is a medical instrument used by doctors and nurses to listen to the sounds made by the heart, lungs, and other organs. It consists of a long tube connected to a chest piece, which has a microphone that picks up sounds. By placing the chest piece on a patient's body, healthcare professionals can hear important information about a person's health. This tool is essential for diagnosing various conditions, such as heart disease or respiratory issues. The stethoscope allows medical professionals to monitor a patient's condition over time, making it a vital part of their toolkit alongside other instruments like the sphygmomanometer for measuring blood pressure.