Which imaging method uses sound waves to visualize structures within the body?

Ultrasound is the imaging method that utilizes sound waves to visualize structures within the body. This technique employs high-frequency sound waves that are emitted and then reflected back from internal structures. The returning echoes are processed by a computer to create images of organs, tissues, and even blood flow in real-time. This non-invasive method is particularly valued for its safety, as it does not involve ionizing radiation, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including obstetrics and gynecology, as well as cardiac assessments.

In contrast, X-rays use ionizing radiation to produce images by passing X-ray beams through the body and capturing the shadows on a film or digital detector, while CT scans also rely on X-rays but take multiple images from different angles to create cross-sectional views of the body. MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of organs and tissues. Each of these methods has its specific applications and advantages, but it is ultrasound that distinctly uses sound waves for visualization.