CH. 3: Diagnostic Imaging Terms Flashcards
radiography visualizes
dense structures
radiography is often used to examine:
bones, lungs
radiography is used to detect:
fractures, tumors, lesions
fluoroscopy visualizes:
deep tissues and hollow structures
fluoroscopy is often used to examine:
gastrointestinal tract, heart, urinary system, and reproductive systems
fluoroscopy is used to detect:
reflux, obstruction, ulcers
sonography visualizes:
soft tissue structures, plus movement of blood, denseness of tissue
sonography is often used to examine:
heart, blood vessels, eyes, thyroid, brain, breast, abdominal organs, skin, and muscle
sonography is used to detect:
cysts, tumors, gallstones, vessel blockages, prenatal abnormalities
magnetic resonance visualizes:
internal organs, spine, joints, blood vessels
magnetic resonance is often used to examine:
brain, spine, joints, biliary system (gallbladder and bile ducts)
magnetic resonance is used to detect:
tumors, torn ligaments, gallstones
computed tomography visualizes:
internal organs, movement of blood, denseness of tissue
computed tomography is often used to examine:
bones, heart, lungs, vessels, abdominal organs
computed tomography is used to detect:
disease, injuries, fractures, clots, internal bleeding, tumors
positron emission tomography visualizes:
cellular and tissue activity
positron emission tomography is often used to examine:
brain, heart, vessels
positron emission tomography is used to detect:
cancer, flow of blood to heart
Single photon emission computed tomography visualizes:
blood flow, cellular and tissue activity
single photon emission computed tomography is often used to examine:
heart, brain, bones
single photon emission computed tomography is used to detect:
infection, tumors, blockages
radiograph
record of x-rays
radiography
process of recording x-rays
radiologist
physician who specializes in x-rays (specifically the diagnosis and treatment of disease using medical imaging such as x-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, and sonography)
radiology
study of x-rays (a branch of medicine concerned with the study and application of imaging technology to diagnose and treat disease)
sonogram
record of sound
sonography
process of recording sound (also called ultrasonography)
tomography
process of recording slices (anatomical cross sections)
computed tomography (CT)
imaging modality that combines x-rays with computer technology to produce detailed, cross sectional images of the body, called “slices.” Oral or intravenous contrast agent may be given to highlight specific regions in the body, resulting in clearer images.
fluoroscopy
imaging of moving body structures, like an x-ray movie. An x-ray beam is passed through the body part being studied, and then the image is transmitted to a monitor in real time so that movement can be seen in detail. Contrast agent is often used to help identify and assess the function of different structures.
nuclear medicine (NM)
imaging of internal structures by using a Gamma camera to detect radiation from different parts of the body after a radioactive material (radioisotope) has been given to the patient. Computer software assembles data into images called scans.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
high strength, computer-controlled magnetic fields producing a series of sectional images (slices) that visualize abnormalities such as swelling, infections, tumors, and herniated disks.
scan
image obtained from diagnostic imaging procedures using sensing devices and (most often) radioisotopes.
