How does the appearance of normal liver compare to abnormal liver on ultrasound?

Normal liver tissue on ultrasound typically appears homogeneous, meaning that it has a uniform texture and consistent echogenicity throughout. This uniformity is indicative of healthy liver parenchyma, reflecting proper cellular organization and function. In contrast, an abnormal liver often exhibits changes in echogenicity—this could manifest as regions of increased echogenicity (hyperechoic areas often indicate fatty infiltration or fibrosis) or decreased echogenicity (hypoechoic areas may suggest edema or mass lesions). Additionally, abnormalities may present as lesions or focal areas that disrupt the homogeneous appearance, further distinguishing them from normal liver tissue.

The other options do not accurately characterize the differences between normal and abnormal liver. Normal liver is typically not recognized for high echogenicity in a way that differentiates it from abnormal conditions, nor is it generally associated with size alone, as various conditions can lead to both enlargement and shrinkage. Furthermore, while blood flow changes can occur in liver diseases, the primary distinguishing factor visible on an ultrasound is the echogenicity and texture of the liver parenchyma itself.