title: The physical examination.
abstract: The physical examination begins as soon as the patient enters the operatory and continues throughout the various stages of the diagnostic process. It includes an evaluation of the vital signs, head and neck, and other areas of the body readily observed by the astute clinician, and the structures of the oral cavity. A deliberate and systematic examination will permit the clinician maximum opportunity to detect and identify irregularities and abnormalities that will increase or decrease the diagnostic options.
authors.forename: G T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Terezhalmy
authors.forename: P T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: McDavid
mesh_terms: D001794:Blood Pressure; D001831:Body Temperature; D001835:Body Weight; D003729:Dental Care; D005145:Face / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D010173:Palpation; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D011674:Pulse; D012119:Respiration