What is the device used during an ultrasound when placed directly on the skin or inside a body opening?

The device used during an ultrasound that is placed directly on the skin or inside a body opening is known as a transducer. A transducer functions as both a transmitter and receiver of ultrasound waves. When it is positioned on the skin, it emits sound waves that penetrate the body and reflect off internal structures. These reflected sound waves are then collected by the transducer, which converts them into electrical signals. These signals are processed to create real-time images of the organs or tissues being examined, allowing for diagnostic assessments.

The significance of the transducer in ultrasound imaging is paramount, as it is essential for the creation of the images that clinicians rely on for evaluation and diagnosis. Other terms like scanner, probe, and imager might refer to related components or technologies in the field of medical imaging, but the specific action of emitting and receiving sound waves to visualize internal structures is directly associated with the transducer.