Definition & Meaning of "ultrasound"

What is an "ultrasound"?

An ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses extremely fast sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. During the procedure, a device called a transducer is placed on the skin, which sends sound waves into the body. These sound waves bounce off tissues and organs, and the echoes are used to create images on a screen. Ultrasounds are commonly used to view organs, monitor the development of a fetus during pregnancy, and evaluate blood flow. It is a safe test that does not involve any surgery or needles, used to help diagnose and monitor various health conditions.