Ultrasonogram
Ultrasonogram
An Ultrasonogram (pronounced: /ʌltrəˈsɒnəɡræm/), also known as an Ultrasound scan, is a medical imaging technique used in Radiology and other medical fields to visualize internal body structures. The term "Ultrasonogram" is derived from the Latin words "ultra" meaning beyond, and "sonus" meaning sound, and the Greek word "gramma" meaning something written.
Procedure
During an Ultrasonogram, high-frequency sound waves, beyond the range of human hearing, are transmitted into the body using a probe. The sound waves bounce back when they hit a boundary between tissues (e.g., between fluid and soft tissue, soft tissue and bone). These reflected sound waves are then recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation is involved in ultrasound imaging.
Uses
Ultrasonograms are used in many different medical fields. In Obstetrics, they are used to monitor the development of the fetus. In Cardiology, they are used to visualize the heart and blood vessels. In Gastroenterology, they are used to image the organs in the abdomen. They are also used in Urology, Ophthalmology, and Oncology, among others.
Related Terms
- Sonography: The practice of imaging using ultrasound.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart.
- Doppler Ultrasound: A special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood flow through a blood vessel.
- Transducer: The handheld device that sends and receives the ultrasound waves.
- Gel: A special lubricant applied to the skin to aid in the transmission of the ultrasound waves.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ultrasonogram
- Wikipedia's article - Ultrasonogram
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