ARDMS Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation Practice Exam 2025 - Free Ultrasound Practice Questions and Study Guide

Attenuation in ultrasound refers to the decrease in sound intensity as the ultrasound waves travel through a medium. This phenomenon occurs due to several factors, including absorption, scattering, and reflection of the sound waves. As ultrasound passes through tissues or any given medium, some of the energy is lost, which results in a reduction of the intensity of the sound wave. This decrease in intensity is important to understand because it affects the quality of the ultrasound images produced; stronger signals may provide clearer images, while attenuated signals can lead to poor visualization of structures.

The concept of attenuation is crucial when considering the depth of structures within the body, as it impacts the ability of the ultrasound system to adequately visualize those structures. By grasping the nature of attenuation, one can better appreciate the need to adjust ultrasound settings or use techniques designed to minimize these effects for optimal imaging quality.