DMST 202: Ultrasound Scanning Fundamentals - Liver

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to ultrasound scanning of the liver, essential for students in the DMST 202 course.

Hypochondrium

Region of the upper abdomen under the ribs where the liver occupies a major portion.

Echogenicity

The ability of a tissue to reflect ultrasound waves; used to describe the appearance of the liver compared to the right kidney cortex.

Anechoic

Refers to areas in ultrasound that do not reflect ultrasound waves, appearing dark on the image; associated with structures like hepatic veins and bile ducts.

Ligamentum Teres

Echogenic structure of the liver that represents the remnant of the umbilical vein.

Portal Veins

Structures that appear anechoic with hyperechoic fibrous walls in liver sonograms.

Sagittal Plane

A imaging plane that divides the body into left and right sections, used for scanning the liver.

Transverse Plane

A imaging plane that divides the body into upper and lower sections, important for visualizing liver anatomy.

Patient Positioning

Crucial in ultrasound to ensure optimal imaging; positions include Supine and Oblique.

Patient Preparation

Fasting is required to reduce abdominal gas for clearer ultrasound imaging.

Sonographic Appearance

Describes the liver as a homogeneous mid grey organ with smooth contours.

Hepatic Artery

Vessel that is anechoic, pulsatile, often tortuous, and seen during liver sonography.

Required Sweeps

Specific scanning techniques to interrogate different sections of the left lobe of the liver.

Breathing Techniques

Methods to enhance imaging quality during ultrasound, such as holding a deep breath.

Right Upper Quadrant Pain

Symptom that may indicate the need for a liver sonogram.

Cirrhosis

Chronic liver disease that ultrasound can help screen for.

Fatty Liver

Condition of the liver which can be assessed through ultrasound imaging.

Technical Factors

Settings that must be optimized during ultrasound scans to achieve adequate imaging quality.