Final answer:
A sonographer or ultrasound technician is a specialist who operates ultrasonography equipment to create images of internal body structures using sound waves. The technique provides real-time, noninvasive images used for medical diagnosis and monitoring, although outcomes depend on the operator's skill.
Step-by-step explanation:
The person who specializes in obtaining ultrasounds of body structures is known as a sonographer or ultrasound technician. Ultrasonography is a widely-used diagnostic tool in medicine that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to capture real-time images of internal body structures, such as organs, blood vessels, and in the case of pregnancy, a fetus (as shown in Figure 17.47). This technology, which is known for being the least invasive compared to other imaging techniques, relies on a skilled operator to correctly maneuver the ultrasound device and interpret the echo signals produced. These signals are analyzed with a computer to create visual images of the scanned area, helping in the diagnosis and monitoring of medical conditions.
Aside from its use in fetal growth and development monitoring - greatly assisting in prenatal care (as depicted in Figure 9.9) - ultrasonography is also applied in examining the heart, peripheral blood flow, and other conditions like gallbladder disease. However, it is important to note that the success of obtaining clear images via ultrasonography is highly dependent on the expertise of the sonographer as image clarity is operator-dependent, and the technology does not provide visuals through bone or gas.