Where are images stored in the ultrasound system?

• A. Pulser
• B. Receiver
• C. Scan converter
• D. Beam former

Answer: (C)

The image is stored in the scan converter. This part of the system acts as the memory that holds the display-ready image data. It takes the processed echoes from the receiver (which have been organized by the beam former) and maps them into a two-dimensional array of pixels with the appropriate grayscale or color information. It also stores the current frame and often a cine loop for playback after freezing or reviewing. The other components play different roles: the pulser sends the ultrasound pulses, the receiver processes the echoes, and the beam former coordinates timing and phasing to form coherent receive beams. But storing and organizing the image for display is the scan converter’s job.