What is the effect of increasing the frequency of the transducer on spatial resolution?

Increasing the frequency of the transducer has a direct positive impact on spatial resolution. Spatial resolution refers to the ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects in an image. Higher frequencies produce shorter wavelengths, which enhance the ability to resolve smaller structures and provide sharper images. This occurs because higher frequency sound waves can create more detailed reflections from small structures, therefore allowing the sonographer to visualize finer anatomical features more clearly.

As frequency increases, the amount of attenuation increases, but improvements in image quality and clarity in terms of spatial resolution typically outweigh this factor, as long as the area of interest is within the appropriate depth range for that frequency. Hence, when using higher frequencies, the spatial resolution improves, leading to more detailed and accurate imaging, making the correct answer clear.