Which two zones is the sound beam made up of?

The correct response identifies that the sound beam is composed of the near field and the far field.

In ultrasound imaging, the near field, also known as the Fresnel zone, refers to the region close to the transducer where the beam is relatively narrow and concentrated. In this zone, the sound waves have not yet diverged significantly, leading to a higher resolution for the structures being imaged. As the ultrasound waves propagate away from the transducer, they eventually enter the far field, or Fraunhofer zone, where the beam spreads out more and the resolution can decrease.

This duality of zones is critical for understanding ultrasound imaging, as each zone has distinct characteristics that affect the quality and clarity of the images produced. The transition between the near and far fields is essential for optimizing imaging techniques and interpreting the results accurately. Recognizing these zones allows sonographers to make informed decisions about probe positioning and imaging parameters during examinations.