intro to radiology

Question 1

why might we use different imaging modalities? (3)

Answer 1

risks associated with imaging, certain pathologies more easily seen, cost and time

Question 2

x-rays

Answer 2

get absorbed by patient in differing amounts depending on structural densities, sensor detects rays

Question 3

darkest to lightest object seen on x-rays (5)

Answer 3

air, fat, soft tissue/fluid, bone, metal/foreign body

Question 4

x-rays pros (4)

Answer 4

widely available, cheap, quick, images chest and bones

Question 5

x-rays cons (3)

Answer 5

limited range of densities (5 shades of grey), 2D image, small amount of radiation

Question 6

computed tomography (CT) scans

Answer 6

uses rotating x-rays, image converted into axial slices

Question 7

CT scans pros (4)

Answer 7

relatively quick, multi-slice 3D images, multiple densities (2000 shades of grey), images all body parts

Question 8

CT scans cons (3)

Answer 8

significant radiation dose, requires high expertise, not portable

Question 9

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

Answer 9

uses magnet and radio-frequency pulses to align hydrogen atoms which release energy stored, sensor detects this

Question 10

MRI scans pros (2)

Answer 10

soft issue imaging and no ionising radiation

Question 11

MRI scans cons (4)

Answer 11

long scanning time, contraindications due to extremely strong magnet, expensive, claustrophobic

Question 12

coronal or frontal plane

Answer 12

superior/inferior and right/left

Question 13

sagittal plane

Answer 13

superior/inferior and anterior/posterior

Question 14

axial or transverse plane

Answer 14

anterior/posterior and right/left