TYPES OF SCANSAnatomy and Physiology

COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY

A CT scan combines a series of X-ray views taken from many different angles to produce cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside your body.

COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY

The resulting images can be compared to a loaf of sliced bread. Your doctor will be able to look at each of these slices individually or perform additional visualization to make 3-D images. CT scan images provide much more information than do plain X-rays.

COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY

A CT scan is particularly well suited to quickly examine people who may have internal injuries from car accidents or other types of trauma. A CT scan can also visualize the brain and — with the help of injected contrast material — check for blockages or other problems in your blood vessels

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a

technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) Most MRI machines

are large, tube-shaped magnets. Radio waves are used to create cross-sectional MRI images.

X RAY

An X-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body — particularly your bones.

X RAY

X-ray beams can pass through your body, but they are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through. Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on X-rays. The air in your lungs shows up as black. Fat and muscle look like varying shades of gray.

X RAY

For some types of X-ray tests, contrast medium — such as iodine or barium — is introduced into your body to provide greater detail on the X-ray images. Some people experience side effects from contrast material. X-ray beams also expose you to small doses of radiation, but the benefits from these tests far outweigh the risks.