A physical examination, also known simply as a "physical," is a process in which a physician examines various organ systems and other parts of the body. As the standard tool used to monitor health and diagnose the source of many diseases, it represents the cornerstone of preventive medicine. It is far better to prevent a disease or condition than to treat it, and better to treat it early before it progresses.

A physical examination is usually the first step in helping to find and treat the source of what ails the patient. The purpose of a physical is to determine if there are signs of illness that can be detected by looking, touching and listening to the body.

The physical findings and the medical history obtained during a physical examination are important elements in making a diagnosis of many medical conditions. They may also indicate diseases for which the patient may be at high risk, such as diabetes, heart disease or certain cancers.

During a physical examination, the physician will assess a number of areas. A basic physical examination is standard whenever anyone visits a physician and includes the following elements:

• Vital signs (e.g., pulse, blood pressure)
• General appearance
• Eyes, ears, nose, throat and mouth
• Neck, particularly the thyroid gland and cervical lymph nodes
• Respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems (breathing, circulation and digestion)
• Breasts (women and men)
• Genitals (including men's prostate and women's pelvic area)
• Muscles, joints, bones and skin