An ultrasound scan, also referred to as a sonogram, diagnostic sonography, and ultrasonography, is a device that uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of some part of the inside of the body, such as the stomach, liver, heart, tendons, muscles, joints and blood vessels.ltrasound is used to create images of the fetus or embryo in the uterus. Today, often referred to simply as an ultrasound scan, it is part of standard prenatal care.