What is typically done to the electrical signal after it is received by the transducer?

After the transducer receives an electrical signal, the signal undergoes amplification. This process is essential because the initial electrical signals produced by the transducer, which are the result of the ultrasound waves interacting with the body's tissues, can be quite weak. Amplification increases the strength of these signals to a level where they can be more easily processed and analyzed for diagnostic purposes.

Amplification is crucial in ultrasound imaging to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for clearer images and more accurate interpretations. By boosting the strength of the signals, ultrasound machines can produce high-quality images that reflect the internal structures of the body effectively. The amplification step is vital for ensuring that the subsequent stages of signal processing, which may include filtering and converting the signal into a visual output, are based on a signal that is strong enough for accurate analysis.

In contrast, filtering, converting to light, and storing signals, while they may be involved in different contexts of signal processing, do not represent the primary action taken immediately after signal reception in ultrasound imaging. The correct focus is on the amplification of the signal to facilitate adequate image production.