The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe provided with a piezoelectric element for ultrasonic generation that has drive electrodes formed on two main surfaces thereof an acoustic matching layer formed on the first main surface side of the piezoelectric element a backing member attached to the second main surface side of the piezoelectric element a base for heat dissipation provided on a lower surface of the backing member and a thin metal plate for heat transfer that is thermally bonded between at least one of the main surfaces of the piezoelectric element and the base for heat dissipation wherein the thin metal plate for heat transfer is surface-bonded to extend from one end of the piezoelectric element over the center thereof toward the other end. This configuration ensures that heat generated by the electrical-mechanical conversion of the piezoelectric element is transferred away in a satisfactory manner, enabling suppression of any temperature rise in the piezoelectric element.
