ultrasound of the abdomen

Definition of abdominal ultrasound

abdominal ultrasound

(ab-DAH-mih-nul UL-truh-sownd)
A procedure used to examine the organs in the abdomen. An ultrasound transducer (probe) is pressed firmly against the skin of the abdomen. High-energy sound waves from the transducer bounce off tissues and create echoes. The echoes are sent to a computer, which makes a picture called a sonogram. Also called transabdominal ultrasound.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms