As frequency increases, what happens to the wavelength in ultrasound imaging?

In ultrasound imaging, the relationship between frequency and wavelength is described by the equation: wavelength = speed of sound / frequency. As frequency increases, the speed of sound in the medium (such as soft tissue) remains constant. Therefore, an increase in frequency leads to a decrease in wavelength.

This is crucial in ultrasound because shorter wavelengths can provide better resolution in imaging, allowing for more detailed and clearer images of structures within the body. Higher frequencies are often used to visualize superficial structures, while lower frequencies are utilized for deeper structures due to their longer wavelengths which penetrate more effectively.

Understanding this relationship is fundamental in diagnostic imaging as it influences the choice of frequency for specific clinical applications. This knowledge helps practitioners optimize ultrasound settings according to the structures of interest and the depth at which they are located.