What describes thermal effects in ultrasound?

Thermal effects in ultrasound specifically refer to the heating of tissues that occurs as a result of the mechanical energy carried by sound waves. When ultrasound waves pass through the body, they can cause vibrations and movements in the tissues, translating this mechanical energy into thermal energy, which in turn raises the temperature of the tissues involved. This heating effect is a critical factor in therapeutic ultrasound applications, where controlled temperature increases can enhance tissue healing processes.

Other options highlight different physical principles related to ultrasound but do not accurately capture the essence of thermal effects. For instance, increased pressure refers more to the mechanical impact of ultrasound rather than its thermal implications. Vibration of tissues also describes a mechanical response, while reflection of sound waves pertains to the behavior of ultrasound at the boundaries of different tissues rather than its thermal impact. Thus, focusing on the conversion of mechanical energy to heat in tissues provides a clear understanding of thermal effects in ultrasound.