What does the S3 heart sound resemble?

The S3 heart sound is commonly described as resembling “Ken-tuck-y.” This sound is specifically associated with rapid ventricular filling and can be linked to fluid overload situations such as congestive heart failure or conditions where the ventricle is compliant and fills quickly. The phonetic resemblance to "Ken-tuck-y" helps clinicians remember the sound's characteristic—a low-frequency, early diastolic sound that occurs right after S2, often referred to as a "gallop" rhythm.

The other options do not accurately capture the auditory quality of the S3 heart sound. For example, “Ten-ne-ssee” describes the S4 sound, which is associated with a stiff or hypertrophied ventricle. “Murmur” refers to abnormal blood flow sounds often related to valvular heart disease and does not pertain to the specific sounds associated with S3. “Thump” lacks the rhythmic and distinct correlation necessary to identify an S3 sound effectively. Thus, “Ken-tuck-y” is the most appropriate representation of the S3 heart sound.