The control panel of an ultrasound system can swivel about the operator location. In one embodiment this capability is provided by pivoting the control panel about a pivot axis located forward of the center of the control panel, preferably within a few inches of the operator position. In another embodiment the control panel can be moved along a track which is curved about the operator position, and in a further embodiment the control panel is moved by a linkage which simultaneously moves the control panel from side to side and forward.