In soft tissue, how is the attenuation coefficient related to frequency?

The attenuation coefficient in soft tissue is directly related to frequency, meaning that as the frequency of the ultrasound wave increases, the attenuation also increases. This relationship can be attributed to the fact that higher frequency sound waves are absorbed more by the tissue due to their shorter wavelengths.

In practical terms, this means that ultrasound imaging at higher frequencies can provide better resolution, as these higher frequencies can resolve smaller structures. However, they also experience greater attenuation, which limits the depth of tissue that can be effectively imaged. This behavior is significant in clinical practice, as it influences the choice of frequency based on the depth and size of the structures to be examined.

The direct relationship between the attenuation coefficient and frequency is crucial for sonographers when selecting the appropriate transducer for different imaging scenarios, allowing for an optimal balance between resolution and penetration.