What classification of medical imaging uses sound waves to visualize structures?

Ultrasound is a classification of medical imaging that utilizes sound waves to create images of structures inside the body. This technique is particularly effective for visualizing soft tissues and organs, as sound waves can penetrate these structures and reflect back to produce images without the use of ionizing radiation. The ability to provide real-time imaging makes ultrasound valuable for various applications, including monitoring fetal development during pregnancy, examining abdominal organs, and guiding certain medical procedures.

In contrast, X-ray and CAT scans (computed axial tomography) utilize ionizing radiation to generate images, while MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) employs strong magnetic fields and radio waves. Each of these imaging modalities serves specific purposes based on the different types of tissues they are most effective in visualizing and the situations they are used for in the field of medicine.