What is the speed of sound in soft tissue?

The speed of sound in soft tissue is approximately 1540 meters per second. This value is crucial for diagnostic medical sonography as it serves as a standard reference point when performing ultrasound examinations. The speed of sound varies depending on the medium through which it travels; in soft tissue, the speed is relatively consistent due to the homogeneity of the biological tissues involved.

Understanding this speed is essential because it affects how ultrasound waves propagate through the body, which in turn impacts the imaging and measurement of structures depicted in ultrasound scans. Accurate knowledge of the speed of sound in soft tissues allows sonographers to calculate distances, velocities, and other important metrics necessary for proper diagnosis and assessment of various medical conditions.