What primarily determines the speed of sound in tissue?

What primarily determines the speed of sound in tissue?

• A. The frequency of the sound
• B. The tissue through which it is traveling
• C. The amplitude of the sound
• D. The distance traveled

Answer: (B)

The speed of sound is determined by the medium’s properties—specifically how stiff the tissue is and how dense it is. A stiffer, less dense tissue transmits sound more quickly, while a softer, denser tissue slows it down. This relationship means the actual tissue you’re passing through sets the speed, not the frequency, amplitude, or how far the sound travels. For soft tissues, speeds are roughly around 1540 m/s but vary with tissue composition. Frequency affects wavelength, while amplitude affects intensity; distance just changes how long it takes to reach a point, not the speed itself.

The speed of sound is determined by the medium’s properties—specifically how stiff the tissue is and how dense it is. A stiffer, less dense tissue transmits sound more quickly, while a softer, denser tissue slows it down. This relationship means the actual tissue you’re passing through sets the speed, not the frequency, amplitude, or how far the sound travels. For soft tissues, speeds are roughly around 1540 m/s but vary with tissue composition. Frequency affects wavelength, while amplitude affects intensity; distance just changes how long it takes to reach a point, not the speed itself.