A type of high-energy radiation. In low doses, X rays are used to diagnose diseases by making pictures of the inside of the body. In high doses, X rays are used to treat cancer.
X-rays represent a distinctive segment within the vast electromagnetic spectrum, embodying the inherent velocity of light itself. These enigmatic rays exhibit an exceedingly minuscule wavelength, occasionally shrinking to the dimensions comparable to atoms. One remarkable characteristic of x-rays lies in their remarkable ability to penetrate materials that ordinarily obstruct the passage of visible light.
X-rays, a type of electromagnetic radiation, exhibit shorter wavelengths compared to regular light. This unique property enables X-rays to penetrate through numerous structures. By virtue of their high energy, X-rays can traverse various materials and substances, making them valuable in medical imaging, scientific research, and industrial applications. Their ability to pass through objects allows for the visualization of internal structures, aiding in diagnoses and examinations in diverse fields.
X-rays are a type of high-energy, short-wavelength electromagnetic radiation. In the medical field, they are commonly used for diagnostic imaging of bones, internal organs, and tissues. Additionally, X-rays serve as a treatment method, especially in cancer therapy.
X-rays are artificially generated by directing electrons at a target made of heavy metal, typically tungsten, in a device known as an X-ray tube. When emitted at low doses, these X-rays pass through body tissues and create images on film or a fluorescent screen. These images, also referred to as radiographs or roentgenograms, reveal the internal makeup of the area under examination. Dense materials like bone absorb X-rays more effectively, making them appear white on the image, while softer tissues like muscle absorb fewer X-rays and show up as shades of grey.
Fluid-filled or hollow regions within the body often aren’t clearly visible on X-ray images unless a contrast medium is first introduced. This substance, which is opaque to X-rays, enhances the visibility of structures like the gallbladder, bile ducts, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, and spinal cord during the imaging process.
X-rays can capture cross-sectional images of a specific organ or body part through a method called tomography. Combining this technique with computer processing yields even more detailed cross-sectional images.
High levels of X-ray exposure can be very dangerous, and even minimal doses have associated risks. Modern X-ray technology and methods are designed to yield high-resolution images while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient. To further reduce the risk of genetic damage, lead shields are often used to safeguard the patient’s reproductive organs. Radiographers and radiologists also wear badges that measure their exposure to radiation, helping to keep it within safe limits.
High doses of X-rays are employed in cancer treatment precisely because they can harm living cells, particularly those that are rapidly dividing, like cancer cells.