11/01/2022
What is an x-ray? X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation similar to visible light but with a higher level of energy and the ability to pass through most objects. In the field of medicine x-rays are used to create images of tissues and structures inside the body. The pictures that are created are called radiographs. To create a radiograph, a patient is positioned so that the part of the body being imaged is located between an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. X-rays then travel through the body and are absorbed in different amounts by different tissues depending on the density of the tissue. For example, our bones are more dense than the air-filled lungs. Because of this higher density x-rays cannot travel through them as easily. Therefore, when bone is exposed to x-ray beams the x-rays are absorbed into the bones. On the finished radiograph this results in higher contrast with the bony structures appearing whiter than other tissues on the radiograph. Conversely, x-rays travel more easily through less dense tissue such as fat, muscle, and air-filled cavities. Less dense structures present in shades of gray on a radiograph.
X-rays can be used both for diagnosing medical conditions and for treating them. Radiography, mammography, CT, and fluoroscopy all utilize x-rays. These imaging modalities can be used to diagnose bony fractures, tumors / masses, foreign objects, pneumonia, dental problems, and to detect real-time movement within the body, among other things.
The benefits of x-rays typically outweigh the risks. However, x-rays produce ionizing radiation, which has the potential to harm living tissue. Repeated exposures over a lifetime can increase the risk factor. Despite this, the risk of developing cancer from radiation exposure is generally small (https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/x-rays). The pictures below were obtained from https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/x-rays and https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219970 -are-x-rays
