A portable ultrasound imaging system includes a mobile computing device a detachable front end component configured for attachment to and communication with the mobile computing device, and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals and programming, when installed on the mobile computing device, being executable by the mobile computing device to cause the mobile computing device to send signals to the front end component causing the front end component to transmit the ultrasound signals, and to receive signals from the front end component resulting from the front end component receiving the receive ultrasound signals, and process the receive signal and display an ultrasound image resulting from the processing. The front end component is configured to be directly joined with the mobile computing device and directly connected, without the use of an external wire or cable.
