Ultrasound

Definition

Ultrasound is a technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is also used in medical diagnostics and various biological studies, including the study of sensory systems like hearing and vestibular sensation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ultrasound involves sound waves with frequencies above the audible range for humans, typically above 20 kHz.
2. In hearing studies, ultrasound can be used to investigate the mechanics of inner ear structures.
3. The vestibular system, which helps control balance, can also be studied using ultrasound imaging techniques.
4. Medical applications of ultrasound include prenatal imaging and diagnostic tests for organ function.
5. Ultrasound technology is non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation, making it safer than some other imaging methods.

Review Questions

• What frequency range does ultrasound operate in?
• How can ultrasound be used to study the inner ear?
• Why is ultrasound considered safer than other imaging techniques?

Related terms

Auditory System: The sensory system for hearing, consisting of the outer, middle, and inner ear.

Vestibular System: The sensory system responsible for providing our brain with information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation.

Sonogram: An image produced by an ultrasound scan.