How Does An Ultrasound Machine Work?

Ultrasound imaging was developed using the same principles as sonar, a technology that is used to find ships at sea. The only difference is, medical ultrasound machines are able to measure the length of time it takes sound waves to bounce back from internal areas of the body. The net effect is a two dimensional image that identifies the distance, size and shape of objects within. These images allow doctors to diagnose abnormalities, detect tumors, examine tendon tears, and evaluate the eyes.

During the course of an ultrasound examination, the machine’s transducer is used to show the targeted organ and produce images to be studied. The transducer itself emits sound waves and then detects the returning echoes as it passes over the body part being examined. It does this by differentiating between the sounds that are made by various tissues, because they each respond differently to the transducer’s frequency. The resulting echoes are then analyzed by a computer within the ultrasound machine, and they are shown to the doctor as moving images of the area being examined

Ultrasound waves pass quite readily through soft tissues and fluids, which make ultrasound machines the preferred method of examining fluid-filled organs like the uterus, liver and gallbladder. However, since ultrasound waves are unable to penetrate through bones or gases, the use of ultrasound machines for these areas is limited. Still, ultrasound is commonly used to study most parts of the body in hospitals and clinical settings.

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