Definition: An ultrasound is a test that uses high frequency sound waves to produce an image of the body part being scanned. It is often used to monitor pregnancies because there is no harm performed to the fetus.
A ultrasound works by moving a small instrument over the area to be examined, which may be the abdomen, breast or other areas of the body. It emits sound waves that reflect off of the body's tissues at different rates, creating an image of the internal structures of the body.
In some cases a special probe may be used to perform an ultrasound of internal organs, which is done by inserting the probe into the vagina. This is called a transvaginal ultrasound
Pronunciation: ultra-sound
Also Known As: transvaginal ultrasound
Examples: After a mammogram that was inconclusive, the patient was scheduled for a breast ultrasound.
