Radiography: Difference between revisions

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'''Radiography''' is an imaging technique using [[X-rays]], [[gamma rays]], or similar [[ionizing radiation]] and non-ionizing radiation to view the internal form of an object. Applications of radiography include [[medical imaging]] and industrial radiography.
{{short description|Imaging technique using X-rays}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


== History ==
'''Radiography''' is an imaging technique that uses [[X-ray]]s to view the internal form of an object. To create the image, X-rays are passed through the body and captured on a detector. The resulting image is called a [[radiograph]].
Radiography's origins can be traced back to [[Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen]]'s discovery of X-rays in 1895. Röntgen discovered that X-rays could be used to create images of the internal structures of the body, which led to their use in medical imaging.


== Types ==
==History==
There are two main types of radiography: [[Projectional radiography]] and [[Computed tomography]]. Projectional radiography is the type of radiography that most people are familiar with, as it is commonly used in hospitals and medical facilities. Computed tomography, on the other hand, uses a computer to create a three-dimensional image of the inside of an object from a large series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken around a single axis of rotation.
[[File:First_medical_X-ray_by_Wilhelm_Röntgen_of_his_wife_Anna_Bertha_Ludwig's_hand_-_18951222.jpg|thumb|left|First medical X-ray by [[Wilhelm Röntgen]] of his wife Anna Bertha Ludwig's hand, 1895]]
Radiography was discovered in 1895 by [[Wilhelm Röntgen]], a German physicist, who produced the first X-ray image of his wife's hand. This discovery revolutionized medical diagnostics and led to the development of modern radiographic techniques.


== Applications ==
==Principles==
Radiography has a wide range of applications in the medical field. It is used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including [[cancer]], [[heart disease]], and [[bone fractures]]. In addition, it is also used in the industrial field to inspect materials for internal defects.
Radiography works on the principle of differential absorption of X-rays by different tissues in the body. Dense tissues such as bone absorb more X-rays and appear white on the radiograph, while softer tissues absorb fewer X-rays and appear darker.


== Risks ==
==Equipment==
While radiography is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions, it does carry some risks. The main risk associated with radiography is exposure to ionizing radiation, which can cause [[radiation sickness]] and increase the risk of cancer.
[[File:Xraymachine.JPG|thumb|right|A modern X-ray machine]]
A typical X-ray machine consists of an X-ray tube, a detector, and a control console. The X-ray tube generates X-rays, which pass through the patient and are captured by the detector to create an image.


== See also ==
==Types of Radiography==
* [[Radiologic technologist]]
* [[Radiographer]]
* [[Radiology]]


== References ==
===Projectional Radiography===
<references />
[[File:Projectional_radiography_components.jpg|thumb|left|Components of projectional radiography]]
Projectional radiography is the most common form of radiography, where X-rays are projected through the body onto a detector. It is used for imaging bones, chest, and other body parts.


===Computed Tomography (CT)===
[[File:Ct-workstation-neck.jpg|thumb|right|CT workstation for imaging the neck]]
[[Computed tomography]] (CT) uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It is particularly useful for imaging complex structures such as the brain, chest, and abdomen.
===Fluoroscopy===
Fluoroscopy provides real-time moving images of the interior of the body. It is often used in procedures such as [[angiography]] and [[barium swallow]] studies.
==Applications==
Radiography is used in various medical fields, including:
* [[Orthopedics]]: For diagnosing fractures and joint abnormalities.
* [[Dentistry]]: For imaging teeth and jaw structures.
* [[Cardiology]]: For visualizing the heart and blood vessels.
==Safety==
Radiography involves exposure to ionizing radiation, which can pose risks if not properly managed. Protective measures such as lead aprons and thyroid shields are used to minimize exposure.
==Related pages==
* [[X-ray]]
* [[Computed tomography]]
* [[Fluoroscopy]]
* [[Wilhelm Röntgen]]
[[Category:Radiography]]
[[Category:Medical imaging]]
[[Category:Medical imaging]]
[[Category:Radiography]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 14:17, 21 February 2025

Imaging technique using X-rays



Radiography is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to view the internal form of an object. To create the image, X-rays are passed through the body and captured on a detector. The resulting image is called a radiograph.

History[edit]

First medical X-ray by Wilhelm Röntgen of his wife Anna Bertha Ludwig's hand, 1895

Radiography was discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Röntgen, a German physicist, who produced the first X-ray image of his wife's hand. This discovery revolutionized medical diagnostics and led to the development of modern radiographic techniques.

Principles[edit]

Radiography works on the principle of differential absorption of X-rays by different tissues in the body. Dense tissues such as bone absorb more X-rays and appear white on the radiograph, while softer tissues absorb fewer X-rays and appear darker.

Equipment[edit]

A modern X-ray machine

A typical X-ray machine consists of an X-ray tube, a detector, and a control console. The X-ray tube generates X-rays, which pass through the patient and are captured by the detector to create an image.

Types of Radiography[edit]

Projectional Radiography[edit]

Components of projectional radiography

Projectional radiography is the most common form of radiography, where X-rays are projected through the body onto a detector. It is used for imaging bones, chest, and other body parts.

Computed Tomography (CT)[edit]

CT workstation for imaging the neck

Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It is particularly useful for imaging complex structures such as the brain, chest, and abdomen.

Fluoroscopy[edit]

Fluoroscopy provides real-time moving images of the interior of the body. It is often used in procedures such as angiography and barium swallow studies.

Applications[edit]

Radiography is used in various medical fields, including:

  • Orthopedics: For diagnosing fractures and joint abnormalities.
  • Dentistry: For imaging teeth and jaw structures.
  • Cardiology: For visualizing the heart and blood vessels.

Safety[edit]

Radiography involves exposure to ionizing radiation, which can pose risks if not properly managed. Protective measures such as lead aprons and thyroid shields are used to minimize exposure.

Related pages[edit]