Term Definition

Medical Imaging ● encompasses different imaging

modalities and processes to image the
human body for diagnostic and
treatment purposes

Radiography or X-ray ● visualization of the internal parts of the

body using x-ray techniques

Traditional X-ray ● an x-ray beam is passed through the

body, producing a 2D image of interior
structures on x-ray sensitive film

Radiograph ● 2D image of interior structures on x-

ray sensitive film

Bony structures ● Structures that appear bright/white in

Dense Structures the radiograph

Soft Tissues ● Structures that appear hazy or dark in

Hollow Organs the radiograph

Contrast X-rays ● uses contrast medium: makes hollow

or fluid-filled structures visible in
radiograph

Barium sulfate ● most common contrast medium

angiography ● used to image blood vessels to check

for blood flow and constricted or
blocked arteries

barium contrast x-ray ● used to image the GIT(gastrointestinal

tract)

urography ● used to image the urinary system

Mammography ● uses low dose x-rays to capture

images of the internal structures of the
breasts

mammograms ● images of the internal structures of the

breasts

Bone Densitometry Scan ● Used to measure the calcium content

of the bone
● Also called a Dual Energy X-ray
Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) ● the established standard for
scan measuring bone density (BMD)

Computed Tomography Scan ● computer- assisted radiography

CT Scan ● x-ray beam traces an arc at multiple
angles around a section of the body to
show cross-sectional images or
“slices” of areas of the body
● also called Computerized Axial
Tomography (CAT) scan

Slices ● cross-sectional images of the body