sonogram

A sonogram, also known as an ultrasound, is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal body structures. These sound waves are emitted by a transducer, a handheld device that is moved across the skin. The sound waves travel into the body and bounce off different tissues and organs. The transducer then detects these returning echoes, and a computer uses this information to generate a real-time image on a screen.

Sonograms are non-invasive and do not use ionizing radiation, making them a safe imaging option for many patients, including pregnant women and children. They are widely used in obstetrics to monitor fetal development, assess the health of the uterus and ovaries, and guide procedures like amniocentesis. Beyond obstetrics, sonograms are employed to examine organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and bladder, as well as blood vessels to detect abnormalities like tumors, cysts, or blockages. The technology is also utilized in guiding biopsies and in physical therapy to visualize soft tissues. The clarity of the image can depend on factors like the depth of the structure being examined and the skill of the sonographer operating the equipment.