How can the sonographer increase the visualization of deeper structures?

To enhance the visualization of deeper structures during an ultrasound exam, adjusting the frequency of the transducer to a lower setting is effective because lower frequency sound waves penetrate deeper into tissues. Higher frequency sound waves provide better resolution and detail but are limited in their depth of penetration. Therefore, when it is necessary to visualize deeper structures, using a transducer with a lower frequency allows the sound waves to travel further into the body, increasing the likelihood of obtaining clearer images from deeper anatomical areas.

As a general guideline in ultrasound, echogenicity and resolution depend on the frequency used; lower frequencies yield greater depth penetration at the expense of finer detail. This principle is critical in obtaining optimal images of structures that aren't close to the surface. Understanding this aspect of ultrasound physics is vital for sonographers when they select the appropriate settings for various imaging scenarios.