Chest X-Ray
Chest X-Ray
A Chest X-Ray (pronounced: /ˈtʃɛst ˈɛksˌreɪ/) is a common medical imaging technique used to visualize the structures within the chest, including the heart, lungs, and bones of the chest and spine.
Etymology
The term "X-Ray" is derived from the German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen's initial designation of the radiation as "X", signifying an unknown type of radiation. "Chest" is derived from the Old English 'cēast', which means box or container.
Procedure
During a Chest X-Ray, a small amount of ionizing radiation is passed through the chest to produce an image on a detector. The resulting image can be used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions, including pneumonia, lung cancer, heart failure, and tuberculosis.
Related Terms
- Radiology: The medical specialty that uses medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases within the body.
- Radiograph: An image produced by projecting radiation, as X-rays, on photographic film. Commonly known as an X-ray image.
- Computed Tomography (CT): A more detailed type of imaging that can provide a more detailed view of the chest than a standard X-Ray.
Risks
While a Chest X-Ray is generally safe, it does involve exposure to a small amount of radiation. However, the risk of any damage from a single X-Ray is usually very low compared to the potential benefits of the test.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chest X-Ray
- Wikipedia's article - Chest X-Ray
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