An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe formed by having transducers whose sensitivity can be controlled in accordance with bias voltage; a preamplifier for amplifying an echo signal outputted from the ultrasonic probe; image processing means for constructing an image according to the echo signal amplified; display means for displaying the constructed image; and probe gain control means for controlling the bias voltage in accordance with the elapse of the reception time when receiving the echo and matching the intensity of the echo signal outputted from the ultrasonic probe with the input range of the preamplifier. During a reception period while a strong echo signal is received from a superficial portion of body surface of an examinee, the reception sensitivity of the ultrasonic probe is controlled by the probe gain control means so that the echo signal level inputted to the preamplifier will not exceed the input range of the preamplifier.
