L7: Imaging Anatomy Flashcards
What does imaging modalities refer to ?
Different techniques & technologies used in medical & biological science to capture images of the body
Examples of imaging modalities
1) X-ray
2) Ultrasound
3) Computerised Tomography (CT, CAT scan)
4) MRI scan
Define ‘invasive’ in medical terms
A medical procedure that ‘invades’ (enters) the body, usually by cutting/ puncturing the skin
Give 1 example of minimally invasive and 1 example of invasive procedure
Minimally invasive: Injection
Invasive: Abdominal surgery
Techniques in invasive imaging
- Contrast is introduced
- Injection of radioactive isotopes (PET)
- A probe is inserted
What are X-Rays a form of?
High-energy electromagnetic radiation
Why is X-Ray called X ?
At the time it represented ‘unknown’ radiation emitted by discharged tubes
When was X-Ray discovered?
In 1895
What did discharge tubes in X-ray lead to?
Development of vacuum tube that converts electrical input power into X-rays
Explain what happens as X-Rays penetrate the body
Some of the energy is absorbed or scattered according to the different tissue densities
Describe the relationship between density of the tissue and radiation
Denser the tissue, the more radiation is absorbed
2 common uses of X-Ray technology
1) Chest X-Rays
2) Mammograms (breast screening)
Advantages of clinical X-Rays
Cheap and quick
Painless & non-invasive
Disadvantages of clinical X-Rays
Limited due to harmful radiation
What does PA & AP X-Ray stand for?
PA: Chest Posterior Anterior
AP: Anterior Posterior
Why is positioning of the film very important?
Proper assessment of organ dimensions
What does AP X-Ray show?
Magnification of the heart & widening of the mediastinum
Whats the most common use in mammograms?
Screen for tumours & main vessels around the heart during lateral chest X-Rays
What does a contrast X-Ray show?
Show soft tissues more clearly