Radiology Flashcards
(138 cards)
Discovered the X-ray in 1895 while experimenting with a cathode Ray tube.
Wilhelm Roentgen
Production of ions.
Ionization
Radiation capable of producing ions by removing or adding an electron to an atom; X-rays produce ionization.
Ionizing radiation
Propagation of wave-like energy (without mass; without particles) through space or matter. X-rays is an example
Electromagnetic radiation
Speed of a wave
Velocity
Wavelength
Distance between crest of one wave to the crest of the next wave
Number of wavelengths that pass a point in a certain amount of time
Frequency
Very short wavelength resulting from the bombardment of tungsten by highly accelerated electrons in a vacuum.
X-Ray
What are X-rays absorbed by?
Matter
How do X-rays travel?
In straight lines and cannot be focused to a point.
High vacuum glass tube surrounded by refined oil with high insulating powers; the oil helps to absorb excess heat.
Protective leaded glass housing
Made of tungsten filament and molybdenum sup; negative charge, supplies the electrons necessary to generate X-rays, thermionic emission.
Cathode
Made of copper arm and focal spot; positive charge, focal spot is made of tungsten (target=tungsten)
Anode
This happens inside the X-ray tube.
Electron stream travels from negative cathode to positive anode, 99% of the energy is lost as heat.
Electrical pressure or potential difference between two electrical charges.
Voltage
Determines the quality of the X-ray beam (quality refers to the penetrating power of the beam) regulates electrons from cathode to anode.
Kilovoltage Peak (kVp)
Overall darkness or blackness of an image.
Density
KVp is increased, what will the image exhibit?
Increased density and appears darker
kVp is decreased, what will the image exhibit?
Decreased density and appears lighter
How sharply dark and light areas are separated on an image
Contrast
What results from a Low kVp (65 tp 70)?
High contrast image, short-scale of contrast, consider for viewing dental caries, density is low (lighter) resultant image is black and white.
What results from a high kVp ( 90)?
Low contrast image, long-scale of contrast, consider for viewing periodontal disease. Density is high (darker) and resultant image is many grays.
What affects contrast?
Only kVp and filtration
What affects quality?
Only kVp and filtration