II.

Uses of Ultrasound

Ultrasound can be used to examine the arterial system (see Artery), heart, pancreas, peritoneal cavity (see Peritoneum), urinary system, ovaries, venous system (see Vein), brain, and spinal cord. Fluid conducts the sound waves well, making ultrasound a useful technique for diagnosing cysts (which are filled with liquid), examining fluid-filled structures such as the bladder or biliary system, and viewing the fetus in the amniotic sac. Ultrasound also can measure bone mineral density to determine the risk of osteoporosis.

Ultrasound examination of the heart is known as echocardiography. Echocardiography is used to study congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, tumors of the heart, and other cardiac disorders. Ultrasound can also be used to guide surgical procedures, for example, during the insertion of a biopsy needle into a particular area or the pregnancy diagnostic test called amniocentesis. Doppler ultrasound is used to measure the flow of a liquid, for example, blood flow.