Bruits are abnormal sounds heard over which structures?

• A. Lungs
• B. Arteries
• C. Bones
• D. Glands

Answer: (B)

Bruits are abnormal sounds caused by turbulent blood flow within arteries. They are heard with a stethoscope over arterial sites, most classically the carotid arteries in the neck or the abdominal aorta. This turbulence happens when a vessel narrows or has irregularities, such as atherosclerotic plaque or aneurysmal changes, causing the blood to accelerate and swirl enough to create a swishing, whooshing noise that often tracks with the heartbeat. Since the sound arises in the arterial system, it’s not expected over the lungs, bones, or glands. The finding can point to carotid artery stenosis and an elevated risk of cerebrovascular events, guiding further vascular imaging and risk-reduction steps.