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An x-ray (radiograph) is a type of painless medical test that helps doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions.
X-rays similar to light in that they are a type of electromagnetic radiation.
An x-ray machine sends out x-ray particles called photons which pass through the body except they cannot pass through structures that are dense (bones), which will appear white. Body tissues (fat, muscles, fluid and even air) will appear as shades of grey. Sometimes special dyes will be inserted into the body (these also appear as white).
The result of an x-ray machine is to produce an image of the body part examined.
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- X-rays are the oldest type of medical imaging
- The patient must not move when the x-ray is being taken and are normally asked to hold their breath until the x-ray is completed (normally 1-2 seconds)
- X-rays are a type of ionizing radiation
- The x-rays performed these days emits as little radiation as possible and are normally harmless
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An x-ray involves taking an image a part of the inside of the body by exposing it to a small dose of ionising radiation.
X-rays are used to take images of almost every part of the body, but especially the bones as the x-ray is a particularly good diagnostic tool for any problems with bone tissue.
references
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Launceston Collega - X-Rays (Australia)
- National Library of Medicine - X-Rays (USA)
- Radiological Society of North America - Radiography (X-Rays) (USA)
