Korotkoff sounds are due to which physiological phenomenon?

Korotkoff sounds are due to which physiological phenomenon?

• A. Turbulent blood flow
• B. Laminar flow through a collapsed artery
• C. Electrical interference in the cuff
• D. Mechanical resonance of the cuff materials

Answer: (A)

Korotkoff sounds come from turbulent blood flow that occurs when the cuff partially occludes the brachial artery during deflation. As cuff pressure falls from above systolic toward diastolic, the artery is only partly open, and the blood flow becomes rapid and non-laminar just distal to the constriction. This turbulent flow, along with the vibrations it induces in the arterial walls, is transmitted through the cuff to the stethoscope, producing the audible sounds you hear. If the flow were laminar, it would be smooth and silent, so turbulence is essential. Electrical interference from the cuff or mechanical resonance of the cuff materials wouldn’t generate these characteristic sounds.

Korotkoff sounds come from turbulent blood flow that occurs when the cuff partially occludes the brachial artery during deflation. As cuff pressure falls from above systolic toward diastolic, the artery is only partly open, and the blood flow becomes rapid and non-laminar just distal to the constriction. This turbulent flow, along with the vibrations it induces in the arterial walls, is transmitted through the cuff to the stethoscope, producing the audible sounds you hear. If the flow were laminar, it would be smooth and silent, so turbulence is essential. Electrical interference from the cuff or mechanical resonance of the cuff materials wouldn’t generate these characteristic sounds.