Whether it is a hospital, airport or mining sites, X-rays have quite a few uses. These radiations estimate the image of what is inside items and excavation sites as well as enable us to dive into the anatomy of any living matter. If we talk about X-ray images, the first thing which pops up in most of our minds is a bone in our body. This is because X-rays have helped medicinal practitioners and us a great deal in healthcare.
Revolutionizing medicine, in 1895 a German physicist named Wilhelm Conrad had discovered X-rays and later that year these Roentgen-rays became a worldwide wonder to be used in the healthcare system to detect and diagnose common conditions. Introducing these angiograms was a massive achievement and had transfigured the field of medicine.
So how were X-rays discovered and how are they produced? While performing experiments on fluorescence produced in vacuum tubes, Wilhelm had noticed that some rays were emitting from the completely shielded cathode tube leading him to accidentally discover the well known ‘X-rays’. These rays are produced in an X-ray tube by accelerating electrons through a potential difference. This then directs the electron to a target material. With the help of electricity and modern technology a radiographer can simply alter the voltage and current settings in the controller, directing the X-ray beam properties produced.
X-rays come in different types and uses. Mammography, angiography, fluoroscopy, radiography and computed tomography more commonly known as a CT scan are just a few types of X-rays. Depending on the parts of the body, the specific type of ray, and the specific type of image produced, these rays have been segregated into several categories. The most commonly performed process is the plain radiography, in which an X-ray beam is passed through the part of the body and shows a plain and simple image of the bone. It is used to detect fractures, sprains, tissue tears and more.
Although X-ray machines might feel like magic, they use a simple concept including electrons, electricity and X-ray beams.
X-Ray of Skull
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