A Physics Case Study (3.6) Flashcards
How are applications of physics used in hospitals?
For both diagnosis and therapy
What does ECG stand for?
Electrocardiogram
What is an ECG used for?
To measure the potetial differences generated by the heart
(Electrocardiogram)
What else are electronic devices used for?
To measure blood pressure
How do we measure a patients’s temperature using physics?
By using a digital thermometer
What is an endoscope contain and how does this relate to its use?
It contains bundles of fibre optics which are used to look inside the body without having to make large incisions
What are X-Rays used for?
Suspected broken bones
What are CT (CAT) scanners used for?
To build up digital pictures of a cross-section through the body
What are MR (MRI) scanners used for and how?
They use radio waves to produce detailed digital pictures of the body
When do we use physics in hospitals?
Whenever…
- Blood pressure or temperature is measured
- An ECG (electrocardiogram) is used
- An endoscope is used
- X-Rays are used
- A CT or MR scanner is used
What do we measure in hospitals (using physics obvs.)?
Blood pressure, ECG potential difference, exposure to ionising radiation
What does a CT scanner use to produce images of the body and what is the effect of this?
It uses X-Rays which are ionising radiation and can therefore damage living tissue
