Radiology Flashcards
X-rays
~form of em radiation that can penetrate objects to varying degrees
~produces when e- impact certain heavy metals
~travel @ c & obey most of the same laws of light (except penetration)
What’s the difference b/n a radiograph and an x-ray?
Radiographs consist of an image on film
X-rays are invisible electromagnetic radiation
Radiographs
2-D pic of 3D object produced when x-rays differentially pass through that object
x-ray machine
-direct current generator that can produce several thousand volts
x-ray generation
- occurs when lg voltage potential is applied to poles of vacuum tube, and e- stream from cathode to anode.
- x-rays travel in straight lines so machine only has 1 opening allowing x-rays to be focused on one specific area
X-ray film
silver bromide crystal emulsion covered plastic
Radiodensity
property of being resistant to passage of x-rays
Radiodense
term for substances that readily absorb x-rays.
aka x-rays don’t readily penetrate them
Radiopacity
- how white an object is on a radiograph
- the more resistant it is to passage of x-rays (x-rays dont reach the film)
radiolucency
- how black a structure is on an x-ray
- x-rays reach the film
Factors affecting radiopacity
- object’s physical density or atomic #
2. its thickness
5 Basic Radiographic Opacities
- Metal [white]
- Mineral (or bone)
- Soft tissue
- Fat
- Air (or gas) [black]
Object thickness affect on radiopacity
Thicker = more radiopaque/white Thiner = less radiopaque/black
Rules in naming radiographic views
- use official nomenclature
2. indicate path x-ray travels through subject
3 Factors of Radiographic Orientation
- what is the body part?
- what is the view that was taken?
- is the film positioned on the viewer correctly?
