CHAPTER 4 : RADIATION BIOLOGY Flashcards
Radiation Biology
study of the effects of ionizing radiation on living tissues
Free radical formation occurs when an x-ray photon ionizes ________the primary component of living cells.
water
how does free radical formation occur
when a xray photon ionizes water
What is a free radical
An uncharged (neutral atom) or molecule that exists with a single unpaired electron in its outermost shell
what is the lifetime of a free radical ?
10 seconds
To achieve stability, free radicals :
recombine without causing changes in the molecule
combine with other free radicals and cause changes.
Combine with ordinary molecules to form a toxin
Two theories of how radiation damage biologic tissues
- Direct theory
2. Indirect Theory
Direct Theory
when ionizing radiation DIRECTLY hits critical areas and targets
(occurs infrequently)
Indirect theory
Xray photons are absorbed within the cell & cause formation of toxins (damages cell)
(occurs frequently b/c of high water content of cells)
Dose curve response
Used to correlate the damage of tissues with the dose of radiation received
Non-threshold dose response
No matter how small the amount of radiation , some biologic damage occurs.
Stochastic effects
Occurs as a direct function of dose
does not have a threshold radiation effects.
The main stochastic effects
Cancer and genetic mutations
Non schotastic effects (deterministic effects)
Have a threshold and increase in severity with increased absorbed dose,
What is non schotastic effects caused by
cell damage or cell death
examples of non schotastic effects
skin erythema, loss of hair, cataract formation.
Which effect requires a larger radiation dose to cause serious impairment in health ? Stochastic or non Stochatic?
Non stochastic
The three sequence of radiation injury
- Latent
- Period of Injury
- Recovery period
Latent period
the time that elapses between exposure to ionizing radiation and the appearance of observable clinical signs (symptoms)
Period of injury
include a variety of cellular injuries.
occurs after latent period
Recovery period
when damage caused by low-level radiation is repaired within the cells of the body
Cumulative effects of repeated radiation exposure can lead to _______
Health problems
Effects of radiation on bone marrow
leukemia
effects of radiation on reproductive cells
Genetic mutation
effects of radiation on salivary gland
carcinoma
effects of radiation on thyroid
carcinoma
effects of radiation on skin
Carcinoma
effects of radiation on eyes
cataracts
Total dose
Quantity of radiation received / total amount of radiation energy absorbed
Dose rate
Rate at which exposure to radiation occurs and absorption takes place.