BP Bulb and Meter

Aneroid Sphygmomanometer Bulb and Meter

 

The sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure in arteries. It can be found in two types: a mercury column and a gauge with a dial face. Most commonly used today is the type that includes a gauge attached to a rubber cuff, which is placed around the upper arm and inflated to restrict the arteries. Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic number refers to the phase when the heart pumps blood out into the aorta, while the diastolic number refers to the resting period when the heart refills with blood. With the cuff inflated, a stethoscope is placed over an artery (brachial artery) in the crook of the arm. As the air in the cuff is released, the first sound heard through the stethoscope indicates the systolic pressure. As more air is released, the sound diminishes until it is no longer heard. This marks the diastolic pressure. A blood pressure reading may