X-ray tube
X-ray tube
An X-ray tube is a device used in radiology to generate X-rays. It is an essential component in many medical imaging technologies, including computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, and traditional X-ray imaging.
Pronunciation
- X-ray tube: /ˈeksˌrā ˈt(y)o͞ob/
Etymology
The term "X-ray tube" is derived from the use of X-rays, which were so named because they were an unknown type of radiation when discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen. The word "tube" refers to the physical structure of the device, which is typically a sealed, cylindrical container.
Description
An X-ray tube functions by accelerating electrons and colliding them with a metal target, typically tungsten. This collision produces X-rays. The tube is made up of a cathode, which emits the electrons, and an anode, which receives the electrons. The anode is often made of a heavy metal, like tungsten, to withstand the high-energy impacts of the electrons.
Related Terms
- Cathode: The negative electrode in an X-ray tube, which emits electrons.
- Anode: The positive electrode in an X-ray tube, which receives the electrons.
- Tungsten: A heavy metal often used as the anode in an X-ray tube.
- Radiology: The medical specialty that uses imaging to diagnose and treat diseases within the body.
- Computed Tomography (CT): A medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the body.
- Fluoroscopy: A type of medical imaging that shows a continuous X-ray image on a monitor, much like an X-ray movie.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on X-ray tube
- Wikipedia's article - X-ray tube
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