Which imaging modality uses sound waves to produce images?

Ultrasound is the imaging modality that utilizes sound waves to create images. In this technique, high-frequency sound waves are emitted by a transducer and travel through the body. When these sound waves encounter different tissues, such as fluids, organs, or soft tissues, they are reflected back to the transducer at varying levels of intensity. The ultrasound machine then processes these echoes to construct a visual image, providing real-time feedback that is particularly useful for assessing various medical conditions, monitoring fetal development during pregnancy, and guiding certain procedures.

This modality is non-invasive and does not involve ionizing radiation, making it a safe choice for many diagnostic evaluations. Its ability to provide dynamic images of soft tissues in motion is a unique advantage in medical imaging.