title: Transvaginal imaging: applied physical principles and terms.
abstract: In this article the properties of ultrasound in tissues and the factors governing image quality are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the vaginal probe. The virtues of transvaginal scanning both in gynecology and obstetrics are well described in subsequent articles in this symposium. Only by understanding the properties of ultrasound can the capabilities and limitations of this technique be appreciated. A comprehensive knowledge of the basic physical principles is mandatory for the clinician as well the investigator to attain the highest quality results. The technical aspects of operating ultrasound instruments, e.g., machine controls, electronic image formation, scan converters and techniques for preprocessing and postprocessing, are not discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology A, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Thaler
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Manor
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014160:Transducers, Pressure; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014621:Vagina