Systems, Introduction to Physics II and X-Ray Imaging
Systems in Medical Radiology, Introduction to Physics II:
X-Ray Imaging Systems and Radiologic Equipment
Who discovered X-rays? Dr. W. C. Röntgen at the University of Würzburg in 1895.
What award did Dr. W. C. Röntgen receive for his The first Nobel Prize for Physics in 1901.
discovery?
What is radiology? A medical specialty using medical imaging technologies to diagnose and treat
patients.
What are X-rays? A form of electromagnetic energy that travels at the speed of light.
What happens to X-rays when they pass through the They can pass all the way through, be deflected or scattered, or be absorbed.
body?
What factors determine how X-rays interact with tissue? The energy of the X-ray and the atomic number of the tissue.
What are the observable densities in conventional Metal, bone, soft tissue, and gas.
radiography?
What are the advantages of conventional radiographs? They are cheap, fast, and involve low radiation.
What is computed tomography (CT) used for? It is used for diagnostic dilemmas but involves higher radiation and cost.
, What is the primary use of nuclear medicine in radiology? Physiological imaging for specific questions.
What is the main advantage of ultrasound (US) in medical It is relatively inexpensive and involves no radiation.
imaging?
What is the key feature of magnetic resonance imaging It has unmatched ability to contrast healthy tissue from disease and involves no
(MRI)? radiation.
What are the key components of an overhead X-ray Ceiling-suspended tube crane, floating tabletop, wall stand, and high-frequency
room? generator.
What is the purpose of lead-lined walls in an X-ray room? To provide proper shielding for safety.
What is an overhead tube crane? A device suspended from the ceiling that provides flexible positioning for imaging.
What is a radiographic table? A table that raises and lowers for easier patient transfer, typically with a floating
top.
What is a Bucky wall stand used for? For upright imaging, often with auto-tracking to synchronize with the tube's height.
What is the function of the control console in an X-ray It contains the generator controls and imaging software, located behind a lead-
room? shielded barrier.
What are controlled areas in an X-ray facility? Areas occupied by employees whose occupational dose is monitored.
What are uncontrolled areas in an X-ray facility? Areas occupied by patients, visitors, and non-radiation employees.
What is a primary barrier in radiation safety? A barrier that protects against radiation from the source.
What is a secondary barrier in radiation safety? A barrier that protects against scattered radiation from patients and leakage
radiation from the tube.
What are therapeutic X-ray units used for? They are used for disease treatment by targeting high energy ionizing radiation to
malignant tissues.
What is a radiograph? A static visible photographic record on an X-ray film or computer monitor
produced by X-rays passing through an object.
What is the approximate energy of X-rays in In mega-volts (MV), where one megavolt equals 1,000,000 volts.
the therapeutic range?