What does "dynamic range" refer to in the context of ultrasound imaging?

In ultrasound imaging, dynamic range is a crucial concept that refers to the range of signal amplitudes that the imaging system can process effectively. This is important because ultrasound signals can vary widely in amplitude due to differences in tissue composition, effectively affecting how these signals are interpreted into images.

A system with a higher dynamic range can accommodate both very weak signals from softer tissues and very strong signals from denser tissues without losing detail or information. This capacity allows for better contrast in images and an improved ability to visualize structures that differ significantly in echogenicity.

Understanding dynamic range helps sonographers optimize image quality, as they can adjust the settings to improve the visualization of various tissues and lesions. Thus, the correct answer highlights a fundamental aspect of ultrasound technology that directly impacts the quality and diagnostic utility of ultrasound images.