What does the keyword 'pulse' refer to in the context of reporting intensities?

In the context of reporting intensities in ultrasound, the term 'pulse' specifically pertains to the characteristics of the ultrasound pulse used during imaging. When discussing intensity, it is essential to understand that the 'pulse' encompasses the transmit time, also known as pulse duration. This is the period when the ultrasound transducer emits a sound wave.

Pulse duration is critical because it influences the spatial resolution and the quality of the image produced. A shorter pulse duration typically leads to better resolution, allowing finer details in the tissue structure to be discerned. In reporting intensity, focusing on pulse duration emphasizes the energy being transmitted into the body during the active phase of the ultrasound cycle.

Although the term 'pulse' might imply a combination of sending and receiving times, the keyword in reporting intensities primarily relates to the transmit time. Therefore, emphasizing pulse duration accurately captures the essence of what is meant by 'pulse' in this context, making it the correct understanding regarding how intensities are reported in sonography.