What is a sphygmomanometer used for? auscultation recording heart rhythm measuring blood pressure viewing blood flow

A sphygmomanometer is a device used to measure blood pressure. It consists of an inflatable cuff to restrict blood flow, a measuring unit (either mercury, aneroid, or digital), and a mechanism for inflation which is usually a manually operated bulb and valve. The device is used in conjunction with a stethoscope to listen to the blood flow in the artery. The pressure at which blood flow begins to sound is the systolic pressure, and the pressure at which sound disappears is the diastolic pressure. The other options provided, such as auscultation, recording heart rhythm, and viewing blood flow, are not the primary functions of a sphygmomanometer. Auscultation is the act of listening to the internal sounds of an animal or human body, typically using a stethoscope. Recording heart rhythm is typically done with an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), and viewing blood flow is usually done with imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI.