Medical diathermy utilizes electric currents from what two types of waves to generate heat within the tissues?

Medical diathermy uses electric currents generated from radio and sound waves to produce heat within tissues. This heating effect is achieved by passing an electrical current through the body, which produces thermal energy due to the resistance of the tissues to the flow of the current.

Radio waves function as electromagnetic waves that can penetrate the body to varying depths, effectively heating underlying tissues without significantly warming the outer layers of skin. The secondary component, sound waves, in certain types of diathermy, such as ultrasound, assists in generating additional heat and facilitates deeper penetration into the tissue.

Other choices, while mentioning various forms of waves, do not accurately describe the mechanisms used in medical diathermy. Microwave and infrared waves, while associated with heating effects, are not typically classified under the standard categories used in diathermy settings where direct electrical currents are employed. X-ray and gamma rays are forms of ionizing radiation and are not used for therapeutic heating, as they pose significant risks compared to the therapeutic benefits of diathermy. Ultrasound and laser waves have different applications, often focusing on imaging or cutting, rather than the continuous heating action achieved through diathermy.