Which imaging technique uses ultrasound waves for visualization?

Sonography, also known as ultrasound imaging, is the technique that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create images of the internal structures of the body. This method is particularly valued in medical imaging for its ability to visualize soft tissues and organs in real time, making it useful for a variety of applications, including obstetrics, cardiology, and abdominal diagnostics.

The process involves emitting ultrasound waves that penetrate the body, and as these waves encounter different tissues, they are reflected back at varying degrees. A computer processes these returning sound waves to produce images on a screen. Unlike X-ray imaging, which uses ionizing radiation, or CT scans, which provide cross-sectional images of the body through X-ray technology, sonography is non-invasive and does not involve radiation exposure. This makes it a safer option for monitoring certain conditions, especially in pregnant women and pediatric patients.

In contrast, other imaging techniques listed, such as nuclear medicine and x-ray imaging, rely on different forms of radiation or tracers for visualization, while CT scans use a series of X-ray images taken from different angles to create a comprehensive view of the anatomical structures. Therefore, sonography stands out specifically for its use of ultrasound waves for visualization.