Ultrasound, also known as ultrasonography, is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside the body. It’s commonly used to visualize internal organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs, as well as to monitor the development of fetuses during pregnancy.
The process involves a device called a transducer, which emits sound waves and detects the echoes as they bounce off tissues in the body. These echoes are then processed by a computer to create real-time images that can be viewed on a monitor. Ultrasound is non-invasive, painless, and does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation, making it a preferred imaging modality for many medical conditions.
In addition to diagnostic purposes, ultrasound is also used therapeutically for procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections or to assist in the breaking up of kidney stones. Its versatility and safety make it an indispensable tool in modern medicine.