Archives: Glossary

Placental grading is an ultrasound classification system that describes the maturity of the placenta based on its appearance and calcification.

Placental abruption is premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which may show as a blood collection on ultrasound.

Placenta accreta is a serious pregnancy condition in which the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall, detectable on prenatal ultrasound.

The placenta is a temporary organ that connects the fetus to the uterine wall, routinely assessed on prenatal ultrasound for location, maturity, and abnormalities.

Piezoelectric refers to the property of certain materials to convert electrical energy into sound waves and vice versa, forming the basis of ultrasound transducers.

A phased array is a type of ultrasound transducer with a small footprint that produces a fan-shaped image, commonly used in cardiac imaging.

The peritoneum is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, assessed by ultrasound for fluid, thickening, or masses.

Peripheral artery disease is narrowing of the arteries supplying the limbs, assessed by Doppler ultrasound for stenosis and blood flow abnormalities.

Periportal fibrosis is scarring around the portal tracts of the liver, which appears as increased echogenicity along the portal vein branches on ultrasound.

The pericardium is the protective sac surrounding the heart, visible on echocardiography as a bright, thin line.