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formation/quality
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| ionization | The process of converting an atom into an ion by adding or removing charged particles. |
| exit radiation | Radiation that exits the patient after interacting with tissues. |
| raw image data | Data created when exit radiation interacts with an image receptor. |
| quality radiographic image | An image that meets specific attributes for clarity and detail. |
| displayed brightness | The perceived lightness or darkness of an image on a display. |
| displayed contrast | The difference in brightness between different areas of an image. |
| high-contrast images | Images that have a significant difference between light and dark areas. |
| low-contrast images | Images that have minimal difference between light and dark areas. |
| temporal resolution | The ability to distinguish changes in an image over time. |
| spatial resolution | The ability to distinguish small details in an image. |
| size distortion | The alteration of the perceived size of structures in an image. |
| shape distortion | The alteration of the perceived shape of structures in an image. |
| quantum noise | Random variations in the image caused by insufficient radiation exposure. |
| scatter | Radiation that is deflected from its original path after interacting with matter. |
| image artifacts | Unwanted features in an image that do not represent the actual anatomy. |
| radiographic opacities | Areas in an image that appear darker due to the absorption of radiation. |
| differential absorption | The varying degrees to which different tissues absorb x-ray radiation. |
| dynamic imaging | Imaging that captures motion, such as fluoroscopy. |
| attenuation | The reduction in the intensity of the x-ray beam as it passes through matter. |
| brightness | The overall light level of an image. |
| contrast resolution | The ability to differentiate between objects of similar brightness. |
| electronic data set | A collection of electronic signal values generated during image formation. |
| photoelectric effect | An interaction where x-ray photons are completely absorbed by matter. |
| Compton effect | An interaction where x-ray photons are scattered after colliding with matter. |
| Image receptor | A device, such as a digital image receptor, that interacts with the x-ray beam after it passes through a patient to create a radiographic image. |
| Beam attenuation | The reduction in energy (intensity) of the primary x-ray beam as it passes through anatomic tissue, resulting in fewer x-ray photons remaining in the beam. |
| Absorption | The process where some x-ray photons are completely absorbed by anatomic tissue, particularly when they have enough energy to remove an inner-shell electron. |
| Photoelectron | The ejected electron resulting from the complete absorption of an incoming x-ray photon that has enough energy to remove an inner-shell electron. |
| Secondary x-ray photon | A low-energy photon emitted when an outer shell electron drops down to fill a vacancy created by the photoelectric effect. |
| Scattering | The process during beam attenuation where x-ray photons are deflected in different directions after interacting with anatomic tissue. |
| X-ray photon absorption | The process during attenuation where the photoelectric effect leads to the total absorption of incoming x-ray photons. |
| Binding energy | The energy required to remove an electron from its orbital shell, which must be met or exceeded by the incoming x-ray photon for absorption to occur. |
| Anatomic tissue | The various types of biological structures in the body that interact with x-ray photons, affecting their absorption and transmission. |
| Intensity | The energy per unit area of the x-ray beam, which decreases as the beam passes through anatomic tissue due to attenuation. |
| Vacancy | An empty space in an inner electron shell created when an inner-shell electron is ejected during the photoelectric effect. |
| Outer shell electron | An electron located in an outer orbital shell that can drop down to fill a vacancy in an inner shell, potentially emitting a secondary photon. |
| Photon interactions | The various ways in which x-ray photons interact with atomic structures, including absorption and scattering. |
| Radiographic image | An image created when an x-ray beam passes through a patient and interacts with an image receptor, representing the anatomic area of interest. |
| Energy of x-ray photon | The amount of energy carried by an x-ray photon, which must be sufficient to overcome the binding energy of inner-shell electrons for absorption. |
| Anatomic parts | Different components of the body that exhibit varying absorption characteristics when exposed to x-ray beams. |
| Exiting x-ray beam | The x-ray beam that has passed through the patient and is available for interaction with the image receptor. |
| Radiographic processes | The series of events, including beam attenuation, absorption, and scattering, that occur to create a radiographic image. |
| Vacancy filling | The process where an outer shell electron moves to fill a vacancy in an inner shell, often resulting in the emission of a secondary photon. |
| Compton electron | The ejected electron that leaves the atom with energy equal to the excess imparted by the photon. |
| Photon | A particle representing a quantum of light or other electromagnetic radiation. |
| Secondary photon | A photon created equal to the difference in binding energies when an electron from an upper-level shell fills an electron hole. |
| Kilovoltage peak (kVp) | A measurement that indicates the maximum voltage applied across the x-ray tube, affecting the energy of the x-ray photons produced. |
| Image receptor (IR) | A device that captures the x-ray image after it has passed through the patient. |
| Coherent scattering | An interaction that occurs with low-energy x-rays, where the incoming photon interacts with the atom as a whole without losing energy. |
| Classical scattering | Another term for coherent scattering, where the incoming photon changes direction but does not invade the electron cloud. |
| Diagnostic x-ray energy | The range of x-ray energies used for diagnostic imaging. |
| Probability of Compton interaction | Depends on the energy of the incoming photon but not on the atomic number of the anatomic tissue. |
| Photon transmission | The passage of photons through matter, which increases with higher kVp. |
| Scattered photons | Photons that have changed direction after scattering and may provide no useful clinical information. |
| Higher atomic number particles | Particles such as bone that can lead to more scatter if the energy of the incoming photon is sufficiently high. |
| Fewer photon interactions | Occurs at a higher kVp, but a greater percentage of those interactions are Compton interactions. |
| Energy of incoming photon | A critical factor in determining the likelihood of Compton interactions. |
| Composition of anatomic tissue | Does not affect the probability of Compton interactions but relates to opportunities for x-ray interactions. |
| Clinical information | Useful data obtained from x-ray imaging, which can be compromised by scattered and secondary radiations. |
| X-ray beam scattering | Occurs during attenuation when the incoming x-ray photon loses energy and changes direction. |
| Incident x-ray | X-ray photons that are absorbed by the part. |
| Transmitted photon | A photon that passes through the anatomic part without being absorbed. |
| Tissue thickness | Increasing the thickness of a given anatomic tissue increases beam attenuation by either absorption or scattering. |
| Exponential attenuation | X-rays are generally reduced by approximately 50% for each 4 to 5 cm (1.6-2 inches) of tissue thickness. |
| Effective atomic number | A measure of the total number of electrons in a material, influencing how much x-ray absorption occurs. |
| Bone | Tissue with an effective atomic number of 13.8, which attenuates the x-ray beam more than lower atomic number tissues. |
| Fat | Tissue with an effective atomic number of 6.3, which attenuates the x-ray beam less than higher atomic number tissues. |
| Low-energy beam | An x-ray beam with lower kilovoltage, resulting in more absorption in the tissue. |
| High-energy beam | An x-ray beam with higher kilovoltage, resulting in more transmission through the tissue. |
| Radiation exposure | The amount of radiation absorbed by the patient or those near the patient due to scattered photons. |
| Pair production | An interaction occurring at x-ray energies above the diagnostic range, important in positron emission tomography (PET) and radiation therapy. |
| Photodisintegration | Another interaction occurring at x-ray energies above the diagnostic range. |
| Scattered photon | A photon that has been deflected from its original path due to interaction with matter. |
| Atomic particles | The components of atoms that contribute to the effective atomic number and influence x-ray interactions. |
| Radiography | A technique for imaging the internal structures of the body using x-rays. |
| Radiation exposure to bystanders | Radiation exposure that can occur to individuals near the patient if scattered photons leave the patient without striking the IR. |
| Higher electron binding energies | Indicates that more energy is required to remove electrons from atoms, affecting x-ray absorption. |
| Tissue density | Matter per unit volume, or the compactness of atomic particles composing the anatomic part. |
| Transmission | The process by which incoming x-ray photons pass through the anatomic part without any interaction. |
| Higher-penetrating x-rays | X-rays with shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies that are more likely to be transmitted through tissue. |
| Lower-penetrating x-rays | X-rays with longer wavelengths that are less likely to penetrate tissue. |
| Tissue atomic number | The atomic number of the elements that make up the tissue, influencing its interaction with x-rays. |
| Tissue density variations | Differences in the compactness of atomic particles in various tissues, affecting their attenuation properties. |
| Scatter radiation | Radiation that is deflected from its original path due to interactions with atomic structures. |
| Fog | Unwanted exposure on the image caused by scatter radiation. |
| Primary radiation | The initial beam of x-rays emitted from the x-ray tube before any interactions with the patient. |
| Scattered radiation | Radiation that has been scattered by interactions with matter, contributing to image fog. |
| Transmitted radiation | Radiation that passes through the anatomic part without interaction. |
| Higher effective atomic number | A characteristic of tissues like bone that increases their ability to attenuate x-ray beams. |
| Lower effective atomic number | A characteristic of tissues like fat that decreases their ability to attenuate x-ray beams. |
| Methods to decrease scatter radiation | Techniques discussed in Chapter 8 to reduce the amount of scatter radiation reaching the IR. |
| Anatomic tissues ranking | The classification of tissues based on their attenuation properties. |
| Five substances for beam attenuation | Mineral (bone), water (muscle), fat (adipose), air (gas), and foreign substances (metal) that account for most beam attenuation in the human body. |
| Scatter exit radiation | Radiation that reaches the image receptor (IR) but does not provide any diagnostic information about the anatomic area. |
| Remnant radiation | Another term for exit radiation, which produces an electronic data set in a digital image receptor. |
| Radiopaque | Areas within anatomic tissue that absorb incoming x-ray photons, creating light areas on the displayed image. |
| Radiolucent | Areas within anatomic tissues that transmit incoming photons, creating dark areas on the displayed image. |
| Shades of gray | The various levels of brightness displayed in a radiographic image that make anatomic tissues visible. |
| Skeletal bones | Tissues that are differentiated from air-filled lungs due to differences in absorption and transmission. |
| Electronic signal values | Values produced when exit or remnant radiation interacts with the digital IR, representing the strength and differences in adjacent signal values. |
| Radiographic quality | A quality radiographic image accurately represents the anatomic area of interest and visualizes information well for diagnosis. |
| Visibility of anatomic structures | Refers to the brightness and contrast of the displayed image, determining the overall quality of the radiographic image. |
| Sharpness | The accuracy of the recorded structural lines in a radiographic image. |
| Distortion | The amount of deviation from the true shape or size of an object in a radiographic image. |
| Contrast | The difference in brightness between different areas of the image, which helps to distinguish anatomic structures. |
| Visibility | The ability to see the anatomic structures in the radiographic image. |
| Displayed image gray levels | The range of shades of gray in the displayed image resulting from varying absorption and transmission of x-rays by anatomic tissues. |
| Digital image brightness | The brightness level displayed on the computer monitor that can be altered to visualize anatomic structures. |
| Sufficient brightness | The level of brightness required to adequately visualize the anatomic structures of interest. |
| Excessive brightness | A condition where the digital image is too light, hindering visualization of anatomic structures. |
| Insufficient brightness | A condition where the digital image is too dark, preventing proper visualization of the anatomic part. |
| Dynamic range | The range of exposure intensities an imaging receptor can accurately detect. |
| Saturation of IR elements | A condition where the imaging receptor is overexposed, leading to severe degradation of image quality. |
| Image contrast | Variations in brightness levels in the digital image that allow differentiation among anatomic tissues. |
| Brightness Levels | The range of brightness levels displayed is a result of the tissues' differential absorption of the x-ray photons. |
| Homogeneous Object | An image that has sufficient brightness but no differences appears as a homogeneous object, indicating equal absorption characteristics. |
| Subject Contrast | Refers to the absorption characteristics of the anatomic tissue imaged and the quality of the x-ray beam. |
| X-ray Lucency | The degree to which tissues allow x-ray photons to pass through, affecting image brightness. |
| High Subject Contrast | Occurs when there are great differences in radiation absorption between tissues that vary greatly in composition. |
| Low Subject Contrast | Occurs when there are fewer differences in radiation absorption for tissues that are more similarly composed. |
| Penetrating Power of X-ray Beam | Increasing the penetrating power decreases attenuation, reduces absorption, and increases x-ray transmission. |
| Radiographic Contrast | Variations in displayed brightness levels in a radiographic image. |
| Grayscale | The number of different shades of gray that can be stored and displayed by a computer system in digital imaging. |
| Thorax | An anatomic area of high subject contrast due to great variation in tissue composition. |
| Abdomen | An anatomic area of low subject contrast because it is composed of similar tissue types. |
| Digital Image Quality | Evaluating digital image quality in terms of displayed contrast is more subjective and affected by individual preferences. |
| Information Needed for Diagnosis | The level of contrast desired in an image is determined by the composition of the anatomic tissue to be imaged and the amount of information needed for an accurate diagnosis. |
| Variations in Displayed Brightness | Radiographic or image contrast describes variations in displayed brightness levels. |
| Absorption Characteristics | The way different tissues absorb x-ray beams, affecting the visibility of the tissues in imaging. |
| Computer Processing | One of the factors that contribute to the displayed image contrast. |
| Display Monitor | The device used to view the radiographic images, which can affect the perception of contrast. |
| High-contrast image | Displays fewer shades of gray but greater differences between them. |
| Low-contrast image | Displays a greater number of gray shades but smaller differences between them. |
| Visibility of small objects | Determined by the contrast resolution of the imaging system and the number of shades of gray available for display. |
| Anatomic structures visibility | Increased by higher contrast resolution, allowing better distinction among small anatomic areas of interest. |
| Displayed image contrast | A product of both the subject contrast and the contrast resolution of the digital image receptor. |
| Smallest object detection | Refers to the capability of spatial resolution in an image. |
| Sharpness of anatomic detail | Determined by the spatial resolution of the digital image. |
| Motion unsharpness | Occurs due to uncontrolled motion of anatomy such as the heartbeat and bowel contractions. |
| Exposure time | Should be as short as possible to minimize motion unsharpness, typically in milliseconds (ms). |
| Patient motion | Increases the amount of unsharpness recorded in the image. |
| Voluntary motion | Best alleviated by effective communication with the patient. |
| Involuntary motion | Best managed by reducing exposure time. |
| Image formation | Involves some loss of information during the process. |
| Unsharpness | A certain degree is always present in digital images due to the imaging process. |
| Immobilization devices | May be needed to help control patient motion, especially in children and older adults. |
| Effective communication | Essential for reducing voluntary motion during imaging. |
| Increased unsharpness | Decreases the differences in displayed brightness levels between the structural lines of the area of interest and the background. |
| Low contrast | The difference in brightness levels between the area of interest and the background lessens, reducing the visibility of the anatomic structure. |
| Diagnostic quality | Achieved by maximizing the amount of spatial resolution and minimizing the amount of image distortion. |
| Magnification | Radiographic images of objects are always magnified in terms of the true object size. |
| Source-to-image receptor distance (SID) | Plays an important role in minimizing the amount of size distortion of the radiographic image. |
| Object-to-image receptor distance (OID) | Also plays an important role in minimizing the amount of size distortion of the radiographic image. |
| Elongation | Refers to images of objects that appear longer than the true objects. |
| Foreshortening | Refers to images that appear shorter than the true objects. |
| CR alignment | Inaccurate alignment can cause shape distortion. |
| Visibility of small anatomic details | Compromised if unsharpness is increased. |
| Overall visibility of structural lines | Reduced with an increase in the amount of unsharpness displayed in the image. |
| Spatial resolution and image distortion | When an image is distorted, spatial resolution is also reduced. |
| Geometric relationship | The relationship between SID and OID plays a crucial role in image distortion. |
| Distance effects on distortion | Parts of the object farther from the IR are represented with greater size distortion. |
| Manipulating factors affecting sharpness | It is the radiographer's responsibility to minimize the amount of information lost. |
| Brightness variation | A small anatomic structure is best visualized when its displayed brightness varies significantly from the background. |
| Information loss | Minimized by manipulating the factors that affect the sharpness of the displayed image. |
| Central Ray (CR) alignment | The alignment of the x-ray tube, the anatomic part, and the image receptor that affects image shape. |
| Number of photons | Decreasing the number of photons reaching the IR may increase quantum noise; increasing photons may decrease quantum noise. |
| Exposure technique | The method selected based on the imaging procedure requirements to produce diagnostic-quality images. |
| Digital imaging | A method of capturing images that can adjust for low or high x-ray exposures during acquisition. |
| Anatomic structures | The body parts that are visualized in a radiographic image. |
| Radiographic image quality | Determined by factors such as exposure technique, alignment, and the presence of noise. |
| Postprocessing options | Techniques used to enhance image quality by reducing visibility of image noise. |
| Insufficient x-ray exposure | Results in increased quantum noise and decreased image quality. |
| Mottle | Another term for quantum noise, indicating graininess in the image. |
| Sensitivity to scatter radiation | Digital IRS can detect low levels of radiation intensity, making them more sensitive to scatter. |
| Superimposition | When objects obstruct visualization of the area of interest, requiring rotation or angulation to eliminate. |
| Radiographer's responsibility | To select exposure techniques that produce diagnostic-quality images while avoiding unnecessary patient exposure. |
| Exposures that are too low | Adversely affect the quantum noise of an image even though the computer can adjust the brightness. |
| Exposures that are too high | Result in excessive radiation exposure to the patient and may impact image quality. |
| Artifact | Any unwanted brightness level on a radiographic image that is not part of the patient's anatomy. |
| Errors in imaging | Such as double exposing a computed radiography IR or the improper use of equipment can result in image artifacts. |
| Foreign bodies | A class of artifacts imaged within a patient's body. |
| Variation in exposure techniques | May be necessary when imaging for a suspected foreign body. |
| Artifacts from patient clothing | Are the same regardless of the type of imaging systems. |
| Radiographer's diligence | Must be exercised in removing clothing or items that could obstruct visibility of the anatomic area of interest. |
| Scatter radiation or fog | Classified as radiographic artifacts because they add unwanted information on the displayed image. |
| Digital image artifacts | Can be a result of errors during extraction of the electronic data set from the IR or inadequate computed radiography imaging plate erasure. |
| Radiographic image interpretation | A function of differential absorption of the variations in tissue thickness and composition. |
| Five basic radiographic substances | Radiologists understand that human anatomy is a combination of these substances. |
| Water-based tissues | Lower in subject contrast because they attenuate the x-ray beam similarly. |
| Fat (adipose) | Scattered throughout our anatomy and is used diagnostically to help in interpretation. |
| Skeletal system | Represents mineral substances and illustrates higher subject contrast because they absorb more of the x-rays. |
| Radiolucent substance | Air in the lungs and bowel gas illustrates higher contrast with its surrounding tissues. |
| Water against water | Displays very low subject contrast due to similar radiographic opacities adjacent to each other. |
| Contrast medium | Such as iodine and barium, used to help visualize anatomical structures. |
| Heart anatomy | Includes four internal chambers with valves as well as coronary arteries and veins on the surface of heart myocardium. |
| Iodine contrast medium | A substance injected into the heart and coronary arteries to enhance visualization during an angiographic heart study. |
| Iodine | A mineral substance with atomic number 53 that absorbs x-ray beams more than adjacent water-based heart tissues, increasing subject contrast. |
| Barium | A contrast medium with atomic number 56 used to visualize the digestive system. |
| Adipose tissue | Fat that acts as a radiolucency, particularly significant in studies of extremities. |
| Effective atomic number of adipose | 6.3, which contributes to its interaction with surrounding water-based tissues. |
| Water | A water-based tissue with an effective atomic number of 7.4, used as a reference in x-ray beam attenuation. |
| Radiographic substances | Five substances (air, fat, water, mineral, and metal) that must be in anatomical contact to visualize anatomy effectively. |
| Fluoroscopy | A dynamic imaging technique that uses a continuous beam of x-rays to create images of moving internal structures. |
| Contrast media | Special liquid or gas substances injected or ingested to visualize internal structures in motion during fluoroscopy. |
| Image-intensified fluoroscopy | An older fluoroscopy technology being replaced by flat-panel detector fluoroscopy. |
| Flat-panel detector fluoroscopy | A modern fluoroscopy technology that uses a digital flat-panel detector to create real-time images. |
| X-ray tube | The functional component of fluoroscopic equipment that generates x-rays and can be positioned above or below the patient. |
| Remnant x-ray energy | The x-ray energy that passes through the patient and strikes the digital flat-panel detector. |
| Analog signal | The initial form of data that is converted from x-ray energy before being digitized. |
| Digital signal data set | The processed data set that yields a fluoroscopic image displaying patient anatomy and movement in real time. |
| Radiologist | A medical professional responsible for interpreting radiographic images. |
| Image quality optimization | The process of selecting proper exposure settings to ensure accurate interpretation of radiographic images. |
| Gas | One of the five basic radiographic substances that attenuates x-rays differently than water. |
| Mineral | One of the five basic radiographic substances that has a higher atomic number than water. |
| Metal | One of the five basic radiographic substances that provides significant contrast in imaging. |
| Image brightness | The proper balance of brightness and contrast that determines the visibility of anatomic structures. |
| Image sharpness | A function of geometric and temporal factors of image formation. |
| Attenuating substances | Five substances: gas, fat, water, mineral, and metal that affect the visualization of anatomic tissues. |
| High brightness areas | Created by transmitted radiation in a displayed digital image. |
| Low brightness area | Created by an anatomic part that transmits the incoming x-ray photon with low absorption. |
| Visibility of sharpness | Affected by distortion, contrast, and brightness. |
| High contrast | A radiographic image with many shades of gray but few differences between them. |
| Anatomic substances visualization | Best achieved when they attenuate the x-rays differently from their adjacent tissues. |
| Substances absorbing x-ray beam | Muscle and contrast medium absorb more of the x-ray beam compared to fat and water. |
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