The operational characteristics of convex arrays are similar to which type of array?

• A. Linear
• B. Phased
• C. Endocavity
• D. Annular

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how ultrasound beams are formed and steered. Both convex (curvilinear) and linear arrays use multiple elements with precise timing delays to create a focused beam and sweep that beam across the image. The convex probe is basically a curved version of the linear array, so the way it focuses and steers the beam is the same at the fundamental level—electronic focusing and lateral scanning across the field. Endocavity and annular arrays have different geometries and typical beamforming characteristics, so they don’t mirror the convex array’s operation as closely. That makes the linear array the best comparison.