On entering the body, these waves encounter bones and various internal organs. These high frequency waves are then reflected back from the organs and tissues forming images of internal body parts on a screen of the source. The nature of the reflection enables the physicians to identify the type of tissue. 

The invention of the ultrasound has been a landmark in medical history. It has proved to be a stepping stone towards extensive medical research. Ultrasound has aided medical research in acquiring an insight to the functioning of the human body. The history of its invention goes back to the times of World War II. The study of radar and sonar was the precursor to the development of the ultrasound device.

The names of two scientists stand out in bold letters in the history of ultrasound and medical imaging. The first one is that of Doctor Karl Theodore Dussik of Austria. Doctor Karl conducted a research on transmission ultrasound investigation of the brain. Based on his findings, he published the first paper on medical ultrasonic in 1942. The second name is, of course, world famous. It was Professor Ian Donald of Scotland who developed the practical technology and applications for ultrasound in the 1950s. Ultrasound was first tested by him in 1957 and a year later, its functioning was tested on a pregnant woman.

The most widespread application of this technique is its use in sonography to produce pictures of the fetus in the human womb. Obstetric ultrasound helps to examine the health of the unborn child. It assists in evaluating the gestational age, fetal viability and growth, location of placenta and above all checks for major physical abnormalities. Ultrasound has various other advantages as well. Soft tissue imaging of many parts of the body is conducted with ultrasound. Cardiac, renal, liver and gallbladder scans are very common these days.Ultrasound can be used to locate tumors and analyze bone structure. The Doppler technique of this machine helps to visualize the arteries and veins and thereby, monitor the blood flow in any organ. It is increasingly being used in trauma and first aid cases also.

Progress in scientific research has led to the advancement in the ultrasound device. The basic principle remaining the same, a new medical device named CAVITRON was created in 1980. This device has the potential to destroy tumors within the body.

One thing is certain. Such inventions cannot be regarded as singular achievements as they benefit the humanity as a whole.

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