Imaging & Radiology · Medical Imaging · Medium
Hyperechoic
Meaning: Describes tissue reflecting more ultrasound waves than its surroundings, appearing brighter on the scan.
In practice: Gallstones appear as hyperechoic foci within the gallbladder that cast dark acoustic shadows behind them.
Word parts
- hyper- means above or more than normal
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related imaging & radiology words.
Which word means: Describing a lesion that balloons the outline of a bone, usually thinning the cortex.
Answer: Expansile
Which word means: Imaging of the veins after injecting contrast, used to show clots, narrowing or abnormal anatomy.
Answer: Venography
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