Kortokoff sounds are generated by what physiological event?

Kortokoff sounds are generated by what physiological event?

• A. The heart valves opening.
• B. The heart valves closing.
• C. Blockage in the carotid arteries.
• D. Blood hitting the arterial walls.

Answer: (D)

Korotkoff sounds come from turbulent blood flow as the cuff deflates and blood is forced through a partially compressed artery. When the cuff pressure is high, the artery is occluded and no flow occurs. As the cuff pressure drops below systolic, a small amount of blood squirts through, causing the flow to become turbulent and the arterial wall to vibrate. Those vibrations are heard through the stethoscope as the Korotkoff sounds. They reflect the transition from occluded to partially open (and later to fully open) the artery, not events involving heart valves or carotid blockage.

Korotkoff sounds come from turbulent blood flow as the cuff deflates and blood is forced through a partially compressed artery. When the cuff pressure is high, the artery is occluded and no flow occurs. As the cuff pressure drops below systolic, a small amount of blood squirts through, causing the flow to become turbulent and the arterial wall to vibrate. Those vibrations are heard through the stethoscope as the Korotkoff sounds. They reflect the transition from occluded to partially open (and later to fully open) the artery, not events involving heart valves or carotid blockage.