Technology has it’s many purposes, used for communication, transportation, research, problem solving, but it plays a crucial role in understanding our internal body systems (digestive, circulatory or respiratory). With technology such as ultrasound imaging, x-rays, and CT scans, we are provided with precise images that enable us to observe, diagnose and treat patients. With technologies such as these, the health care industry has developed and improved.
Ultrasound imaging exposes parts of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound scanning is used to help monitor and diagnose conditions in many parts of the body, including kidneys, the liver and the heart. It is often used to examine conditions affecting the organs in a woman’s pelvis; the uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries. The way ultrasound scans are performed depends on the purpose of the examination. The scanner can be used externally on the skin, or through the natural openings of the body. The X-ray, instead of using high frequency sound waves, uses high frequency electromagnetic radiation.
X-Rays are a form of invisible, high-frequency electromagnetic radiation; produced by accelerating electrons at a metal target. X-rays are able to pass through tissue, denser tissues, such as bones, will block more of the rays than less dense tissues, such as the lung. During an X-ray test, a patient stands between an electrical machine and a special screen used for obtaining the image; a special type of photographic film is used to record X-ray pictures. The X-rays are converted into light and the more energy that has reached the recording system, the darker that region of the film will be. A simple X-ray image can be extremely informative, detailed images can show whether or not a bone is broken or if there is a problem in the soft tissue. The CT (computerized tomography) scan, if a further development of the use of X-rays.
With the use of a CT scanner connected to a computer to produce multiple images or pictures of the interior of the body. CT scans of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal much more details than regular X-ray tests. CT scanning works very much like X-ray examinations, in this case numerous X-ray beams and a set of electronic X-ray detectors rotate around you, measuring the amount of radiation being absorbed throughout your body. A special computer program processes the data to create two-dimensional cross-sectional images of your body. Patients during a CT scan will usually lay flat on their backs, or possibly the sides, or the stomach on the CT examination table. Straps and pillows may be used to correct and secure your position. The table will quickly move through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for the scans, then the table will move slowly through the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed.
Technology plays an important role in the medical field, used for monitoring, diagnosing and treating patients, it has greatly benefited doctors and patients around the world. Ultrasound imaging, X-rays, and CT scanning are few amongst the various forms of technology in the healthcare industry. These technologies continue to develop, providing faster and more accurate results, improving the quality of these is essential to the health of the growing human population.
References:
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=genus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ultrasound.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-ray
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/xrays.html
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/examinations/x-ray.htm
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ct_scan/article_em.htm
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodyct
Blogs I commented on:
http://catnippp.blogspot.com/2011/04/can-you-see-my-insides.html
http://sbi3u1carminachu.blogspot.com/2011/03/importance-of-technology-to-understand.html
