Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal organs and tissues of the body. The sound waves are emitted from a handheld device called a transducer and directed towards the area of interest. The sound waves bounce off the organs and tissues and are detected by the transducer, which then creates an image based on the pattern of the echoes.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive and painless procedure that does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe imaging option for pregnant women and children. It is commonly used to examine the developing fetus during pregnancy, as well as to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions such as gallstones, kidney stones, tumors, and heart conditions.
Ultrasound can be performed on various parts of the body, including the abdomen, pelvis, breast, thyroid, oral cavity, tissues of the neck, and musculoskeletal system. It can also be used to guide minimally invasive procedures such as biopsies and needle aspirations. It is important to note that ultrasound may not provide as detailed images as other imaging techniques such as CT or MRI, and may not be able to detect certain conditions.
Overall, ultrasound is a valuable tool in the field of medicine that can provide important diagnostic information without the need for invasive procedures or radiation exposure.
