In M mode, a "single beam" of ultrasound provides a one dimensional image tracked over time. It has a high sampling frequency (up to 1000 pulses per second) and is useful in assessing rates such as fetal cardiac activity.
Source
Cosby, K. MD and Kendall, J. MD. "Practical Guide to Emergency Ultrasound"
Image source: College of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Tennessee. http://www.vet.utk.edu