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foundation radiology
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| alara concept | Concept of radiation protection that states that all exposures should be kept “as low as reasonably achievable.” |
| anode | The positive electrode in the x-ray tube |
| atom | basic unit of matter |
| bremsstrahlung radiation | “Braking radiation.” The sudden deceleration of electrons as they interact with highly positively charged nuclei. |
| cathode | The negative electrode in the x-ray tube. |
| central ray | X-rays at the center of the beam. |
| contrast | Differences in degrees of blackness on an image |
| control panel | The portion of the x-ray unit that contains the master switch, the indicator light, the selector buttons, and the exposure button |
| density | The overall darkness or blackness of an image. |
| dental radiography | The process of recording images of the teeth and adjacent structures by exposure to x-radiation. |
| digital imaging | A filmless method of capturing an image and displaying it by using an image receptor, an electronic signal, and a computer to process and store the image. |
| distortion | Change in the size of an image caused by incorrect vertical angulation. |
| dose (of radiation) | The amount of energy absorbed by tissues. |
| dosimeter | A device used to detect and measure an accumulated dosage of radiation. |
| electron | A negatively charged particle in the atom |
| energy | the ability to do work |
| extension arm | Flexible arm that is attached to the x-ray tubehead. |
| genetic effects | Effects of radiation that are passed on to future generations through genetic cells. |
| image | Film-based or digitally produced recordings of anatomic structures. |
| image receptor | A recording medium for an image, normally film, phosphor storage plate (PSP), or a digital sensor. |
| intensity | The total energy of the x-ray beam. |
| ion | An electrically charged particle |
| ionization | Process by which electrons are removed from atoms, causing the harmful effects of radiation in humans. |
| ionizing radiation | Radiation that produces ionization, resulting in harmful effects. |
| kilovoltage peak | Highest voltage of x-ray tube used during an exposure |
| latent period | Time between exposure to ionizing radiation and appearance of symptoms. |
| lead apron | Device used to protect the reproductive and blood-forming tissues from scatter radiation |
| magnification | The proportional enlargement of an image |
| Master switch, indicator light, selector buttons, exposure button | Components of control panel. |
| matter | Anything that occupies space and has form or shape |
| milliampere | One one-thousandth (1/1000) of an ampere; a unit of measurement used to describe the intensity of an electrical current |
| penumbra | The blurred or indistinct area that surrounds an image. |
| personal radiation monitoring badge | A device that measures exposure of personnel to ionizing radiation by measuring the intensity of visible light emitted from a crystal in the detector when heated. |
| photon | A minute (tiny) bundle of pure energy that has no weight or mass. |
| primary beam | The most penetrating beam produced at the target of the anode. |
| primary radiation | Same as primary beam |
| quality | The mean energy or penetrating ability of the x-ray beam. |
| quantity | The number of x-rays produced in the dental unit; the quantity of x-rays produced is controlled by milliamperage. |
| radiation | Forms of waves of energy emission through space or material. |
| radiograph | Image produced on photosensitive film by exposing the film to radiation and then processing it. |
| radiology | The science or study of radiation as used in medicine |
| scatter radiation | A form of secondary radiation that occurs when an x-ray beam has been deflected from its path by interaction with matter. |
| secondary radiation | X-radiation that is created when the primary beam interacts with matter |
| sensor | A solid-state image receptor that contains a silicon chip with an electric circuit. |
| sharpness | A measure of how well an image reproduces the fine details or outline of an object |
| somatic effects | Effects of radiation that cause illness and are responsible for poor health (such as cancer, leukemia, and cataracts) but are not passed on to offspring |
| thyroid collar | A flexible lead shield that is placed securely around the neck |
| tube head | The part of the x-ray unit that contains the x-ray tube, the highvoltage and low-voltage transformers, and insulating oil. |