Which term best describes a depth-resolved reflectivity profile at a single lateral position?

Which term best describes a depth-resolved reflectivity profile at a single lateral position?

• A. A-scan
• B. B-scan
• C. C-scan
• D. D-scan

Answer: (A)

This is an A-scan. In OCT, an A-scan is a one-dimensional depth profile of reflectivity at a single lateral position, showing how the backscattered signal changes with depth. Peaks correspond to strong reflectors like tissue boundaries, giving pure axial information. A B-scan would stack many A-scans across the lateral direction to form a cross-sectional image, a C-scan gives an en-face slice at a fixed depth, and D-scan refers to other specialized viewing modes not representing a single depth profile.

This is an A-scan. In OCT, an A-scan is a one-dimensional depth profile of reflectivity at a single lateral position, showing how the backscattered signal changes with depth. Peaks correspond to strong reflectors like tissue boundaries, giving pure axial information. A B-scan would stack many A-scans across the lateral direction to form a cross-sectional image, a C-scan gives an en-face slice at a fixed depth, and D-scan refers to other specialized viewing modes not representing a single depth profile.