The Science Behind X-Ray Imaging

X-rays are a kind ofelectromagnetic radiation. This is typically produced within a vacuum tube where a high voltage excites the electrons released by a hot cathode. This radiation has enough energy to shift electrons from atoms to produce observable ions. When X-rays strike an object, some X-rays will be absorbed and some reflected, depending on the density of the object. Those that are reflected can be captured as an image on a photographic plate or detector.How X-ray Imaging WorksThe concentration of calcium in our bones absorbs more radiation. X-rays can form a good picture of existing skeletal structures. The X-ray absorbing bones show up as lighter patterns while the softer tissue allows X-rays to pass through and show up as darker tones. Modern X-rays are normally taken by placing a body part (such as an injured arm or leg) in front of an X-ray detector and subjecting it to a short burst of X-rays; the process takes about 1/50th of a second. X-rays can also be taken of the lungs where trapped gases absorb less radiation than the surrounding tissue. They are also used in dentistry where the teeth absorb X-rays.Other TechniquesX-rays can also be used for soft-tissue comparison in diagnosing such conditions as lung disease. However, they are not of much use in investigating homogenous tissues such as muscles or the brain. Sometimes denser materials such as iodine may be injected into the body to better absorb and visualize X-rays.Computed tomography (CT) allows for a more ...
Source: ePharma Summit - Category: Pharmaceuticals Tags: biotechnology ePharma fluroscopy innovation medical imaging patient care radiation radiology x-ray Source Type: blogs