Ultraäänipäätteen
Ultraäänipäätteen, also known as an ultrasound transducer or probe, is a crucial component of ultrasound imaging systems. It is responsible for both emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. The transducer contains piezoelectric crystals that vibrate when an electric current is applied, generating high-frequency sound waves that are directed into the body. These sound waves travel through tissues and reflect off different structures. The same piezoelectric crystals then detect these returning echoes, converting them back into electrical signals. These signals are then processed by the ultrasound machine to create an image. Different types of transducers exist, designed for specific applications and body parts, varying in size, shape, and frequency range. For example, a linear transducer is often used for superficial structures like muscles and tendons, while a curved array transducer is better suited for deeper organs. The frequency of the ultrasound waves affects the penetration depth and image resolution; lower frequencies penetrate deeper but offer lower resolution, and higher frequencies provide better resolution but have shallower penetration. The proper selection and use of an ultraäänipäätteen are essential for obtaining diagnostic-quality ultrasound images.