What are Korotkoff sounds?

Korotkoff sounds refer specifically to the sounds that medical professionals listen for when measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer. As the pressure in the blood pressure cuff is released, the blood flow re-establishes through the arteries, and this flow causes vibrations that produce distinct sounds. These sounds can be characterized into various phases, which play a crucial role in determining the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.

The other options do not accurately describe Korotkoff sounds. The noise made by heart valves relates to cardiac sounds, while sounds from air in the lungs pertain to respiratory function rather than vascular measurements. The sounds associated with blood pumping through arteries could refer to general arterial turbulence but are not the specific sounds described by Korotkoff during blood pressure measurement.