When you think of it, modern diagnostic tools are quite amazing. For most of human history, no one could actually see what happened within the human body. That all started to change in 1895 when a German professor of physics, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, made an accidental discovery while working with cathode-ray tubes. He happened to have some crystals on a nearby table and looked up to see them glowing as he worked one hazy afternoon. Long story short, he accidentally discovered a new kind of energy ray, “X-rays.” The very first human to have an X-ray was his wife. He took X-ray pictures of her hand.
X-rays are Blocked by Bone and Denser Tissue
Today we tend to take this advanced technology for granted. Most people have had at least one X-ray and know that it shows images of bones. Fewer people understand how X-rays really work though. How do X-rays painlessly reveal the inner workings of our bodies?
As Wilhelm Roentgen later learned, X-rays pass through tissue, casting shadows of solid structures such as bone. This is why denser body parts, such as bone and organs actually block some of the X-rays really work though. How do X-rays painlessly reveal the inner workings of our bodies?
The radiologist, a doctor who specializes in high energy radiation – can read these scans to diagnose conditions in your spine and bones, heart, lungs, tissue scarring and more. Once located, other medical tools such as MRI’s, T scans and other imaging techniques that can help pinpoint and treat medical issues.
The Next Frontier
Even as you read these words, medical imaging and X-ray technology continue to advance. Next generation X-rays are becoming more sophisticated, allowing technicians to identify tumors and tissue much faster. Known as phase-contrast X-ray imaging, the new X-rays can measure the physical effect of the X-Ray passing through tissues at the speed of light. This adds a whole new dimension to the traditional science of X-ray.
If you need an X-ray or other diagnostic imaging tests in Miami, get the exceptional care you need from one of our board-certified radiologists. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment. Our services include advanced 3d mammograms and breast cancer screening, MRIs, CT scans & more.
 "Taking a Look at X-Rays")
