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'''Ultrasonic Imaging''' is the practice of obtaining an [[image]] through the use of [[ultrasound]]. Such images are generated by using an ultrasonic [[transducer]] to transmit and receive sound waves, and then constructing a picture by processing the received signal. Ultrasonic imaging is widely used in clinical [[medicine]] to image [[anatomy|anatomical structures]] as well as [[physiology|physiological]] and [[pathology|pathological]] processes.
==Medical Applications==
Although ultrasonic images are generally of lesser quality than those of other imaging modalities, such as [[CT]] and [[MRI]], ultrasound remains popular due to its substantially lower cost, higher portability, and ability to easily generate real-time images of moving structures.
===[[Cardiology]]===
Ultrasonic imaging of the [[heart]] is used by [[cardiologist]]s to evaluate heart structure and function, and to aid in the diagnosis of [[disease]]s related to the heart and circulatory system. Transthoracic (transducer placed on the [[chest]]) and transesophageal (transducer placed inside the [[esophagus]]) probes are typically used in such situations.
===[[Obstetrics]]===
Ultrasound is routinely used as part of prenatal exams to monitor the development of unborn children. Transabdominal probes are generally employed.
===[[Gynecology]]===
Transvaginal probes can be used to evaluate gynecological problems.
===[[Urology]]===
Ultrasound can be used to diagnose, evaluate, and localize [[prostate]] [[cancer]] through the use of transrectal probes.
===[[Bone]] Quality Assessment===
Diagnosis of [[osteoporosis]] can be aided by devices that transmit ultrasonic pulses through bone. However, [[dual-energy X-ray absorptimetry]] (DEXA) remains the gold standard in the field.
===Ablation===
[[High intensity focussed ultrasound]] ([[HIFU]]) is used to [[ablate]] cancers, irritable [[automaticity focus|pacemaking centers]] in the heart, and other undesirable tissues.
==Medical Applications==
Although ultrasonic images are generally of lesser quality than those of other imaging modalities, such as [[CT]] and [[MRI]], ultrasound remains popular due to its substantially lower cost, higher portability, and ability to easily generate real-time images of moving structures.
===[[Cardiology]]===
Ultrasonic imaging of the [[heart]] is used by [[cardiologist]]s to evaluate heart structure and function, and to aid in the diagnosis of [[disease]]s related to the heart and circulatory system. Transthoracic (transducer placed on the [[chest]]) and transesophageal (transducer placed inside the [[esophagus]]) probes are typically used in such situations.
===[[Obstetrics]]===
Ultrasound is routinely used as part of prenatal exams to monitor the development of unborn children. Transabdominal probes are generally employed.
===[[Gynecology]]===
Transvaginal probes can be used to evaluate gynecological problems.
===[[Urology]]===
Ultrasound can be used to diagnose, evaluate, and localize [[prostate]] [[cancer]] through the use of transrectal probes.
===[[Bone]] Quality Assessment===
Diagnosis of [[osteoporosis]] can be aided by devices that transmit ultrasonic pulses through bone. However, [[dual-energy X-ray absorptimetry]] (DEXA) remains the gold standard in the field.
===Ablation===
[[High intensity focussed ultrasound]] ([[HIFU]]) is used to [[ablate]] cancers, irritable [[automaticity focus|pacemaking centers]] in the heart, and other undesirable tissues.