Ultrasound Physics

What you will learn

Who doesn’t love a physics class? We feel the same. In this chapter, you will learn the basics of ultrasound physics; enough to maximize your sonographic imaging, but not so much as to take the fun out of point-of-care pediatric ultrasound.  From frequency and resolution to sonographic artifacts, you will have a firm understanding of ultrasound physics principles as you interpret and troubleshoot your most complex scans. 

• Frequency, wavelength, and sound
• Sound transmission principles
• The piezoelectric effect and how ultrasound works
• Axial and lateral resolution
• Linear and sector formats
• Focal zones and fields of view
• Image formatting: B-mode, M-mode
• Image artifacts you must recognize
• Ultrasound safety principles