X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that passes through a solid object, including the human body. This type of imagery creates a picture of the human inner body. The radiations show the inner body in both shaded of black and white. Black and white pictures are displayed because the body has diffident tissues, which absorb different amounts of radiation. Calcium, which is present in bones, is known to absorb this type of radiation the most, hence making the bones look white. On the other hand, fats and other soft tissues absorb less of the electromagnetic radiation, and the pictures look grey. X-rays have many uses, some of which include the following.
1. Bone fracture
The skeleton body is made up of bones. Bones allow us to interact with the outside environment and lifts the human body against gravity. An outside blow or force exerted to the bone causes a fracture. X-ray is used to determine the intensity and where the fracture has occurred.
2. Determining infections
An infection such as pneumonia, which affects the chest area, is seen under an x-ray.
3. Radiation therapy
Cancer patients undergo an x-ray in their treatment regimen. This is because the x-ray radiation has the capacity to shrink cancer cells and reduce the sixes of the tumors.
4. Security at airports
At the check-in areas of most airports, an x-ray is used to scan the passengers to see if at all they have any weapons, illegal possessions, or any other prohibited thing in their body.
5. Revealing counterfeit artwork
Revealing fake art is one of the lesser functions of an x-ray. Historians use x-rays to determine whether a piece of artwork is painted over another piece.
6. Dental issues
Radiographs, also known as dental x-rays, are images of teeth that the dentist uses to evaluate the health of one’s teeth. Low levels of radiation are used to capture clear images of the teeth and gums.
7. Digestive tract evaluation
Since x-rays show the inside of the human body, doctors can order the procedure to check the human digestive tract. This is important especially for patients with digestive issues.
8. Diagnose injuries and illnesses
There have been some situations where one is injured but is not bleeding. Internal bleeding is risky for human life. Doctors perform an x-ray to determine whether there is an internal injury of any other sickness that the patient might have.
9. Used in spectroscopy
Spectroscopy is the study of how anything that occupies space and has weight, reacts to electromagnetic radiation. X-ray is used to help scientists determine the elemental and chemical properties of an object.
10. Kidney stones
Another important use of an x-ray is in helping doctors determine the location of kidney stones in the urinary tract. The x-ray specialist puts the machine in front of, or over the abdomen, and you hold your breath so that the picture does not come out blurry. Then you might be required to change positions for the specialist to take additional pictures.
