Acoustic Impedance

Acoustic impedance is a measure of how much resistance a material offers to the passage of sound waves. It depends on the material's density and the speed of sound within it. When ultrasound waves travel from one tissue type to another, such as from soft tissue to bone, the difference in acoustic impedance affects how much of the sound is reflected back or transmitted through. This property is crucial in medical imaging, as it helps create clearer images by highlighting the boundaries between different tissues, allowing for better diagnosis and treatment planning.