What is the triangle of auscultation?

The triangle of auscultation is a region on the back of the human body where the lung sounds can be heard most clearly with a stethoscope. The triangle of auscultation is located in the back, in the region bounded by the scapula (shoulder blade), trapezius muscle, and the latissimus dorsi muscle. This triangular area is relatively thin, with little muscular or adipose tissue to interfere with the sound of the lungs. The triangle of auscultation is an important area for auscultation of the lungs, as it provides a clear path for stethoscope placement to hear the breath sounds. It is particularly useful for detecting abnormalities in the lower lobe of the left lung, which is often obscured by the heart. The triangle of auscultation is named because of the triangular shape that it forms.