Exploring Body Structures with Medical Images
Learning Objective
I can describe how medical images and diagrams show the structures inside the human body.
Key Concepts
An X-ray is a basic medical image that can help diagnose broken bones, some cancers, and infections, but it carries a small increased risk of cancer due to ionizing radiation.
A CT scan uses hundreds of X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, useful for diagnosing conditions like appendicitis and kidney stones, but it involves a higher dose of radiation compared to X-rays.
An MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and soft tissues without using ionizing radiation, but it cannot be used if the patient has metal in their body and can be time-consuming and costly.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 6 practice questions to reinforce learning.
View questions preview
1. What is the general purpose of medical imaging?
2. Which type of medical imaging uses high-frequency sound waves?
3. Explain why an MRI might not be suitable for a person with metal implants in their body.
...and 3 more questions
Educational Video
What’s the Difference Between an X-ray, MRI and a CT? | Medical Advice With Doctor ER
Doctor ER