A-mode displays the amplitude of reflectors on which axis of the image?

A-mode, or amplitude mode, presents information in a way that shows the amplitude of returning echoes from reflectors. In this mode, the horizontal axis of the display represents distance or depth, while the vertical axis showcases the amplitude of the received signals. This means that the amplitude of the echoes is plotted on the y-axis, which allows the clinician to visualize how strong or weak each reflection is at various depths.

In the context of ultrasound, different modes portray information differently; A-mode specifically emphasizes the strength of the echoes, making it an effective tool for assessing structures based on their reflectivity. By looking at the height of the spikes on the y-axis, practitioners can infer the characteristics of the tissues being examined.