Why is a jelly similar to substance placed on woman's tummy's when they hold an ultra-sound scan?

Why is a jelly like substance placed on woman's tummy's when they have an ultra-sound scan
Answers:
It is needed to transmit the signals from the ultrasound wand. It does also help the wand move around, but this is not the primary function.
To allow the ultrasound waves to pass seamlessly from the unit into the belly. the gel essentially fill all the imperfections and prevents the signal from escaping or reflecting off. If the intention to be scanned were completely flat and smooth, no "conduction gel" wouldbe required.
It allows better conduction of the sound side and thus a clearer picture, it's used pretty much whenever and wherever ultrasound is being done. It's a water-based, nontoxic jelly, completely harmless, purely a bit slimy.
to minister to the scanner move around on the skin surface. =]

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