Which of the following are the two main categories of ultrasound imaging techniques?

The two main categories of ultrasound imaging techniques are diagnostic ultrasound and therapeutic ultrasound. Diagnostic ultrasound is primarily used for visualization and assessment of anatomy and pathology through the imaging of soft tissues and organs, playing a crucial role in various medical diagnoses. It encompasses techniques such as 2D imaging, 3D imaging, and Doppler ultrasound, aimed at identifying conditions and guiding patient management.

Therapeutic ultrasound, on the other hand, involves the use of ultrasound waves for treatment purposes, such as therapeutic applications in physiotherapy, ablation, or procedures like lithotripsy, where sound waves are used to break up stones in the body.

The other categories mentioned, such as transducer and Doppler, refer to specific technologies or functions within the broader context of ultrasound rather than distinct categories of imaging techniques. Color flow and continuous wave ultrasound are specific types of Doppler ultrasound used for assessing blood flow and velocity, while 3D and contrast ultrasound are specialized imaging techniques. Thus, they are subsets rather than main categories of ultrasound imaging.