Diagnostic x-ray production

Question 1

4 criteria of an X-ray unit

Answer 1

-must have enough power to eventually produce x-rays
-must have selections where the power can be increased or decreased
-power must travel in the same direction through the x-ray tube
-there must be a way to produce free electrons and with enough energy to produce x-rays

Question 2

x-ray tube

Answer 2

special heat resistant glass enclosure that houses a cathode and an anode

Question 3

Cathode

Answer 3

typically have 2 filaments
-large: used for large body parts
-small: used for extremities and small pocket pets.
which filament being used is determined by milliamperage setting

Question 4

x-rays are produced at

Answer 4

the focal spot of the anode

Question 5

Cathode filaments are positioned

Answer 5

opposite the outer rim of the anode in a small cup shaped device called the focusing cup

Question 6

Anode

Answer 6

consists of a target that the electrons are focused to

Question 7

2 varieties of anode

Answer 7

-rotating: used for small animal
-Stationary: used for large animal portable units

Question 8

Anode heel effect

Answer 8

intensity of the radiation is greater on the cathode side than the anode side

Question 9

Line focus principle

Answer 9

electrons travel toward the anode and are converted to x-rays. The x-rays are then directed towards the patient

Question 10

Focal spot blood

Answer 10

images losing resolution as the focal spot enlarges due to a larger angle of the anode

Question 11

typical angle for x-ray tubes in north america

Answer 11

11 degrees

Question 12

4 important factors in transmitting the electricity to the x-ray tube

Answer 12

-current(mA):electric current that activates the tube
-voltage (kV): speed at which the electrons transfer energy. High voltage produces short wavelenths
-resistance: slows current as it travels through a wire
-time: controls the length of time and x-ray is produced