Ultrasound

Ultrasound in Medical Imaging

Acoustic impedance
The product of the speed of the ultrasound in the medium and the density of the medium
Z =ρc
The greater the difference in acoustic impedance between the two media, the greater the
reflection and the smaller the transmission

Coupling gel is placed between the transducer and the body, as skin and the coupling gel have
a similar density, so little ultrasound is reflected.
Intensity reflection is ratio of the intensity of the reflected wave relative to the incident
(transmitted) wave.

Attenuation is the reduction of energy due to the absorption of ultrasound as it travels through
a material.

Attenuation is not a major problem in ultrasound scanning as the scan relies on the reflection of
the ultrasounds at boundaries of materials.

X-rays are ionizing, meaning they can cause damage to living tissue and can potentially lead to
cancerous mutations. Aluminum sheets are used to reduce exposure. They absorb the higher
wavelengths which are more penetrative.

Contrast is defined as The difference in the degree of blackening between structures. Contrast
can be improved by: Using the correct level of X-ray hardness: hard X-rays for bones, soft
X-rays for tissue and using a contrast media

Sharpness is defined as How well-defined the edges of structures are.