What is the primary purpose of sonography?

The primary purpose of sonography is to create images of organs and structures inside the body using sound waves. This medical imaging technique utilizes high-frequency sound waves that are emitted by a transducer. When these sound waves encounter different tissues in the body, they bounce back, creating echoes that are then converted into visual images. This non-invasive method allows healthcare providers to visualize anatomical structures and diagnose various medical conditions.

Other options, while related to medical procedures, do not accurately represent the fundamental function of sonography. For instance, measuring blood flow in veins and arteries is a specific application of sonography known as Doppler ultrasound, but it does not encompass the breadth of sonography's primary purpose. Performing surgical operations with minimal invasiveness points to procedures like laparoscopic surgery, which is distinct from imaging modalities. Finally, assessing psychological conditions through imaging is not a role of sonography; psychological assessments typically rely on psychological evaluations and not imaging techniques. Hence, the correct answer comprehensively captures the core function of sonography in medical practice.