What is a stethoscope ?

A stethoscope is an instrument simply composed of a Y-shaped rubber tube that with a diaphragm/bell at one end, it is used in auscultation of heart sounds, respiratory sounds, and it is also used in conjunction with a sphygmomanometer to measure the blood pressure.

What is a sphygmomanometer ?

It is an instrument used to measure blood pressure, composed of a cuff that is wrapped round an arm/leg, a mercury container and a scale in mmHg.

Where to buy ?

Any store of medical equipment will definitely provide these basic things. Nearby stores include :

Al-Gomhoreya company (in campus)

Al-Fatemeya store (Ramsis Street)

Ain Shams Medical Equipment display (Ramsis Street)

The agreed-upon best brand is 'Litmann', which is fairly expensive, compared to other brands. Note that prices are higher each year, so obtaining your equipment now is not a bad idea, especially when you learn to measure the blood pressure and the family/relatives start calling you 'doctor' and ask you to measure their blood pressure, etc. :)

By the way, these equipment are optional, you can use the ones provided by the Physiology department during the sections, and you MUST use them in the practical exams (you are not allowed to get external equipment along with you).