Medical Imaging and Radiation Safety Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering the electromagnetic spectrum, plain X-rays, radiation safety, shielding labs, fracture types, dental radiology, MRI, CT, and ultrasound.

Ionizing radiation

Radiation that has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms.

Technologist

The healthcare professional who positions the patient and takes the radiograph.

Radiologist

The medical professional who interprets radiological images.

ALARA

Acronym for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable", a core radiation safety principle.

Dosimeter

A device that records worker radiation exposure; it is not a shield.

Collimation

The process of limiting the radiation beam to the needed area.

Geiger counter

An instrument that detects ionizing events.

Leslie cube

A device used to compare infrared emission from different surfaces.

Fracture

A break in bone.

Closed fracture

A fracture where the skin remains intact.

Open fracture

A fracture where a wound communicates with the fracture site.

Transverse fracture

A fracture line running straight across the bone.

Spiral fracture

A fracture with a twisting pattern.

Comminuted fracture

A fracture involving multiple fragments.

Greenstick fracture

An incomplete bend and common break seen in children.

Bitewing

A dental radiograph showing upper and lower crowns together, often used to detect decay between teeth.

Periapical

A dental radiograph showing the whole tooth through the root tip.

Panoramic

A dental radiograph providing a broad view of both jaws.

Maxilla

The upper jaw.

Mandible

The lower jaw.

Radiopaque

Appearing lighter on a radiograph due to higher absorption of X-rays.

Radiolucent

Appearing darker on a radiograph due to lower absorption of X-rays.

MRI

An imaging modality that uses a strong magnet and radio waves with no ionizing radiation to visualize soft tissues.

CT

Computed tomography; an imaging system using a rotating X-ray system and computer to create cross-sectional slices.

Ultrasound

An imaging technique using high-frequency sound waves with no ionizing radiation.

Transducer

A component of an ultrasound system that sends and receives sound waves.

Doppler ultrasound

A specialized ultrasound modality used to evaluate blood flow.