The Technology of Medical Imaging

A set of 50 vocabulary flashcards focusing on terms and definitions related to medical imaging technology.

X-ray tube

A device that produces X-rays through the acceleration and sudden stopping of electrons.

Direct Digital Radiography (DR)

A cassette-less imaging system that captures images directly through a digital receptor.

Computed Radiography (CR)

A digital imaging method using an imaging plate coated with photostimulable phosphor.

mAs

Milliamperes-seconds; determines the flow of electrons over time and controls the quantity of radiation produced.

kVp

Kilovoltage peak; determines the force behind the flow of electrons and controls the penetrating ability of X-rays.

PACS

Picture Archiving and Communication System; a digital network for storing and sharing medical images.

Radiographic Imaging

A method used to visualize internal structures of the body using X-rays.

Image Brightness

The amount of light emitted from the computer monitor representing the density of body areas.

Image Contrast

The visible difference between two areas of a radiographic image.

Spatial Resolution

The ability to see detail in an image, influenced by factors such as pixel size and distance.

Subject Density

The density of tissues being imaged, influencing the contrast in radiographic images.

Radiation Safety ALARA

As Low As Reasonably Achievable; a principle for minimizing radiation exposure while obtaining diagnostic images.

Fog

Unwanted overall darkness in an image due to scatter radiation, which can detract from image quality.

Grids

Devices used to absorb scatter radiation, consisting of lead strips that require an increase in technique.

Distortion

A false representation of the object being radiographed, which can occur due to positioning or angling.

Foreshortening

A type of shape distortion that makes objects appear shorter than they are due to improper angling.

Elongation

A type of shape distortion that makes objects appear longer than they are due to improper angling.

Computed Tomography (CT)

An imaging method that provides cross-sectional views of the body for improved diagnosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images without using ionizing radiation.

Nuclear Medicine

A specialty that uses radiopharmaceuticals to create images of major organs based on radiation emitted.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

An imaging technique that evaluates physiology by using injected radiopharmaceuticals.

Sonography (Ultrasound)

An imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce echogenic images.

Image Receptor

The device that captures the X-ray image, integral to both CR and DR systems.

Collimator

A device used to limit the size and shape of the X-ray beam, helping to specify the area being imaged.

Radiation Detectors

Devices that capture radiation signals and convert them into an image in CT and other modalities.

Exposure Factors

Variables such as mA, kVp, and distance that affect the quality and quantity of the X-ray images.

Deep tissue imaging

Imaging of internal structures necessitating a variety of specialized equipment.

Patient Dose

The amount of radiation exposure a patient receives during imaging procedures.

Dynamic Imaging

A form of imaging that provides real-time views of the interior of the body.

Radiologist

A medical doctor specializing in interpreting medical images.

Scattered Radiation

Radiation that deviates from its path after interacting with matter, contributing to image fog.

Receptor Exposure

The amount of radiation that strikes the image receptor, affecting image quality.

Contrast Media

Substances used to enhance the visibility of structures in imaging, such as barium and iodine.

Atomic Number

A measure of the number of protons in an element, affecting its density and radiation absorption.

Patient Anatomy

The physical structure of a patient that influences radiographic contrast and density.

Collimated Beam

An X-ray beam that has been shaped and directed by a collimator for accurate imaging.

Imaging Plate

A component of computed radiography systems that captures the X-ray images for processing.

Radiation Protection Procedures

Protocols followed to safeguard against unnecessary radiation exposure.

Viewbox

A device used to view radiographic images in traditional film-based systems.

Image Manipulation

Techniques used to adjust digital images for improved clarity and diagnostic utility.

Image Storage

The method of maintaining digital images for future access and analysis, often using PACS.

Barium

A high atomic number contrast medium used in radiographic imaging to enhance visibility.

Iodine

A contrast agent with a high atomic number utilized in various radiographic studies.

Radiographic Quality

The overall clarity and diagnostic potential of a radiographic image.

Patient-centered care

An approach focusing on the patient's needs and comfort during imaging procedures.

Image Acquisition

The process of capturing medical images using various modalities and technologies.

Image Reconstruction

The method used to process and form images from the signals captured by imaging technology.

Echogenicity

The property of a substance to reflect sound waves, important in ultrasound imaging.

Radiopharmaceuticals

Radioactive compounds administered to patients for imaging or treatment in nuclear medicine.

Subject Density (least to most dense)

• Gas or air

• Fat

• Water

• Muscle

• Bone

• Tooth Enamel

• Metal