What type of probe is used in ultrasound to send waves into the patient?

The type of probe used in ultrasound to send waves into the patient is called a transducer. This device is responsible for converting electrical energy into sound waves, which are then transmitted into the body. The transducer emits these sound waves and also receives the echoes that bounce back from the internal structures after hitting different tissues or organs. This dual function of sending and receiving is crucial for creating images that are used in diagnostic procedures.

While amplifiers, receivers, and detectors play roles in processing and analyzing the signals, they do not actively generate sound waves. Amplifiers can enhance the received signals for better clarity, receivers capture the returning echoes, and detectors help convert the signals into a visual format. However, the fundamental component responsible for the initial emission of ultrasound waves into the patient is the transducer.