What heart sounds are typically audible during a standard examination?

In a standard examination, the heart sounds that are typically audible include S1 and S2. S1, the first heart sound, is associated with the closure of the atrioventricular (AV) valves (the mitral and tricuspid valves) at the beginning of ventricular contraction (systole). S2, the second heart sound, occurs when the semilunar valves (the aortic and pulmonic valves) close at the end of ventricular systole, signaling the start of diastole.

These two sounds are fundamental components of the cardiac cycle and can be heard consistently in healthy individuals. The presence of these sounds is an important indicator of normal cardiac function. In clinical practice, while other sounds such as S3 and S4 can be present and may provide additional information regarding heart function, they are typically not considered standard findings in asymptomatic individuals. Thus, the presence of S1 and S2 is expected during a routine cardiovascular assessment.