A1 Understand health issues page 33

Question 1

When were X-rays first used for medical purposes?

Answer 1

X-rays were first used for medical purposes in the late 19th century, primarily by surgeons to guide operations.

Question 2

What type of medical imaging emerged during the 1950s, and what was it used for?

Answer 2

Ultrasound scans emerged during the 1950s and were useful for imaging soft tissues, which X-rays cannot do.

Question 3

What are CT and MRI scans, and when were they developed?

Answer 3

CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans were developed in the 1970s and can image both soft tissue and bone in great detail.

Question 4

What can X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans help diagnose and plan?

Answer 4

These imaging techniques help diagnose diseases, plan surgeries or treatments, and monitor the progression of diseases.

Question 5

What are X-rays in terms of the electromagnetic spectrum?

Answer 5

X-rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves with short wavelengths, typically around 10-10 meters.

Question 6

How do X-rays produce images of the body?

Answer 6

X-rays produce images by penetrating the body, where tissues and organs absorb them to varying degrees, with denser parts absorbing more.

Question 7

Why do bones appear brighter on an X-ray image?

Answer 7

Bones appear brighter on an X-ray image because they absorb more X-rays than surrounding soft tissues, which absorb less.