In physics, reflection is the phenomenon where a wave, such as an ultrasound wave, bounces off a boundary between two different media, redirecting its path. This fundamental principle is crucial in medical ultrasound, as the echoes received by the transducer are reflections of sound waves from internal body structures. The degree of reflection depends on the acoustic impedance mismatch between tissues, which is vital for forming diagnostic images.
Optimizing ultrasound image quality heavily relies on understanding reflection. Strong reflections occur at interfaces between tissues with significant acoustic impedance differences, like bone-tissue or air-tissue boundaries, creating bright echoes. This process allows sonographers to visualize organ boundaries, identify abnormalities, and differentiate various tissue types, making reflection a cornerstone of diagnostic sonography.
