In ultrasound, increasing transducer frequency affects depth and resolution; which statement is true?

• A. Higher frequency increases penetration depth and resolution.
• B. Higher frequency increases penetration depth but reduces resolution.
• C. Higher frequency increases resolution but decreases penetration depth.
• D. Higher frequency decreases both penetration depth and resolution.

Answer: (C)

Higher transducer frequency gives shorter wavelength, which lets the ultrasound distinguish small details more clearly, so resolution improves. But the same higher frequency also experiences greater attenuation as it travels through tissue, so the signal loses energy faster and cannot penetrate as deeply. That means you gain sharper images for superficial structures, while deep imaging requires a lower frequency probe.