What type of examination involves touching the body?

The correct answer is related to the process of using the sense of touch during a physical examination to gather information about a patient's body. This technique is known as palpation.

Palpation is a critical skill utilized by healthcare providers to assess various aspects of a patient's condition, including the size, shape, and texture of organs and tissues, as well as to detect areas of tenderness or pain. For instance, palpation can help a clinician examine the abdomen to assess for any masses or abnormalities, evaluate lymph nodes, or check for pulse and heart rhythm.

In contrast, auscultation involves listening to the internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope, which means it does not engage the sense of touch. Percussion involves tapping on the body surface to determine the condition of the underlying structures by the sound produced, which also does not use direct touch for examination purposes. Observation, on the other hand, relies on visual assessment of the patient.

Therefore, palpation is distinctly characterized by the tactile examination that provides valuable diagnostic information.