MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Palpation

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Palpation

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Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Palpation

Definition Return to top

Palpation is a method of feeling with the hands during a physical examination. The health care provider touches and feels the patient's body to examine the size, consistency, texture, location, and tenderness of an organ or body part.

Update Date: 2/23/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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