What is the difference between auscultation and palpation?

Auscultation and palpation are both clinical examination techniques used to assess a patient's health. Auscultation involves listening to internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope, to evaluate the function of the heart, lungs, and other organs. In contrast, palpation involves using the hands to feel the body, assessing factors such as texture, temperature, size, and tenderness of tissues and organs. Together, these techniques help healthcare providers gather important diagnostic information.