What is cavitation in the context of ultrasound?

Cavitation refers to the phenomenon where small gas-filled bubbles or cavities are created and vibrated by an ultrasound beam. This occurs when ultrasonic waves pass through a medium such as a fluid (like blood or tissue) and generate rapid pressure changes. These pressure variations can cause small gas bubbles to form and oscillate in size, creating cavitation.

The importance of cavitation is particularly evident in medical ultrasound applications. The oscillation of these bubbles can lead to mechanical effects that may be useful in various therapeutic settings, such as enhancing drug delivery or facilitating tissue repair. Understanding this process is crucial for cardiac sonographers as they work with ultrasound technology to visualize and manipulate cardiac structures.

The other options don't accurately reflect the definition of cavitation in the context of ultrasound. They may describe other aspects or phenomena associated with ultrasound but do not capture the essence of cavitation as it pertains to gas-filled bubbles interacting with ultrasound waves.