Which parameter influences the amount of attenuation in ultrasound?

Frequency is a key parameter that influences the amount of attenuation in ultrasound. Attenuation refers to the gradual loss of intensity of the ultrasound wave as it travels through a medium. Higher frequency ultrasound waves experience greater attenuation compared to lower frequency waves. This is due to the fact that higher frequency waves are more readily absorbed and scattered by the tissues they encounter.

In practical terms, this means that when using high-frequency transducers, ultrasound beams are more likely to be weakened by the tissues, resulting in less penetration depth but providing better resolution. Conversely, lower frequency transducers penetrate deeper into the body, experiencing less attenuation, but offer lower resolution.

The other parameters listed, such as scan angle, impedance, and voltage, do not directly dictate the amount of attenuation. Scan angle may affect the visualization of structures, impedance relates to the resistance to the flow of ultrasound energy, and voltage governs the strength of the ultrasound signal, but none of these factors directly alter the attenuation characteristics that are primarily driven by frequency.