Which tissue types respond best to heat from ultrasound?

Which tissue types respond best to heat from ultrasound?

• A. Muscle
• B. Nerve
• C. Adipose
• D. Collagen-based structures

Answer: (D)

Ultrasound heating depends on how much energy the tissue absorbs. Collagen-rich structures—such as tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, fascia, and scar tissue—absorb ultrasound energy more readily at therapeutic frequencies. That higher absorption plus their relatively low blood flow means more of the energy stays as heat in those tissues, producing a noticeable temperature rise. In contrast, muscle and nerve tissues have more water content and greater perfusion, which helps dissipate heat, and adipose tissue absorbs less energy overall. So collagen-based structures respond best to heat from ultrasound.

Ultrasound heating depends on how much energy the tissue absorbs. Collagen-rich structures—such as tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, fascia, and scar tissue—absorb ultrasound energy more readily at therapeutic frequencies. That higher absorption plus their relatively low blood flow means more of the energy stays as heat in those tissues, producing a noticeable temperature rise. In contrast, muscle and nerve tissues have more water content and greater perfusion, which helps dissipate heat, and adipose tissue absorbs less energy overall. So collagen-based structures respond best to heat from ultrasound.