What phenomenon occurs when sound waves travel through different types of tissue?

Reflection occurs when sound waves encounter a boundary between two different types of tissue, leading to a portion of the sound wave being reflected back towards the source. This phenomenon is essential in diagnostic ultrasound because it allows the creation of images based on the echoes of sound waves that bounce off various tissues within the body. Different tissues have distinct acoustic impedance, which causes some of the sound energy to reflect back while the rest continues to propagate into the tissue.

Understanding how reflection works is critical for interpreting ultrasound images since the level of reflection provides information about the characteristics of the underlying tissue, such as its density or structure. This process enables sonographers to visualize organs, evaluate their conditions, and assist in diagnosing medical conditions based on the patterns of echogenicity observed.