Applications of sonography in vertebrates

Ultrasonography is a noninvasive approach for exploration of morphology, to pographic anatomy, and biological processes in non-domestic animals. This i maging technique is still not widely used in the biological sciences. Ultra sonography provides reproducible real time images, cross-sectional imaging of tissues, organ structures, and motion. Images may be used for morphometr ics, documentation, and preservation of data. Ultrasound imaging in biologi cal sciences offers new information regarding embryonic development, uterin e and ovarian function, muscle development, digestive processes, where conv entional experimental and dissection techniques are limited. The use of ult rasonography in different vertebrate taxa is combined with characteristic f eatures for applying this imaging technique due to the individual anatomica l structures. Recently, miniaturised transducer technology has allowed the development of microprobes with compact, contoured shapes for access to une xplored anatomical regions in non-domestic animals. Many of the new probes offer colour flow imaging, which is an ideal tool for investigating fluid m ovements inside a body, e.g., blood flow or ingesta few. Improvements in ul trasound technology and the development of new types of application techniq ues will certainly advance the progress of this imaging modality in biologi cal sciences. The advantages of this technique favour its more widespread u se.