In the context of ultrasound, what results from the scattering of sound waves?

The phenomenon of scattering occurs when sound waves encounter interfaces with different acoustic properties, such as tissue boundaries or structures within the body. When scattering happens, it can disrupt the organized propagation of sound waves, leading to a dispersal of energy in multiple directions. This diminishes the overall quality of the returning signals that are used to form an image.

Decreased image resolution is a direct consequence of this scattering. As sound waves scatter, the ability to differentiate between closely spaced structures in the image is compromised. Because scattered signals can interfere with one another, it results in a blur or loss of detail, making it challenging to identify fine anatomical features clearly.

In contrast, increased penetration typically results from sound waves traveling through tissue without much scattering; improved signal clarity is dependent on coherent and structured wavefronts, which scattering disrupts; and uniform beam geometry pertains to the ideal shape and direction of the ultrasound beam rather than the scattering process itself.