In ultrasound, what term describes the ability to distinguish different tissue types?

The term that best describes the ability to distinguish different tissue types in ultrasound is contrast. In ultrasound imaging, contrast refers to the difference in echo amplitudes between various tissues, which allows sonographers and radiologists to differentiate structures and identify abnormal findings. This differentiation is essential in assessing the characteristics of organs and tissues; for example, distinguishing between solid and cystic masses, or differentiating between different types of organs such as liver and kidney based on their echogenicity.

Resolution, while important, specifically refers to the ability to see small structures as separate entities and is more related to the detail and quality of the image produced. Detail is somewhat synonymous with resolution but is not specifically tied to tissue differentiation. Clarity typically refers to the overall sharpness or lucidity of an image, and while it can affect the perception of contrast, it does not specifically address the ability to discern tissue types. Thus, contrast is the most appropriate term for the distinction of different tissues based on their echogenic characteristics.