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Biomedical Physics Program

Diagnostic Radiology

X-rays have given us an extraordinary tool to enhance our ability to see inside the human body. It has been truly Medicine's New Vision from the first radiograph of Röntgen's hand.


Cathode Ray Generator Rontgen's Hand Willhelm Rontgen On 8 Nov 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (accidentally) discovered an image
cast from his cathode ray generator.

Today we not only use planar projection x-rays but also can see cross-sectional slices of the body using CT scans. A CT or CAT (Computed Axial Tomography) scan uses x-rays to create images of slices through the body. It has advantages in distinguishing between overlying structures with increased contrast.

Diagnostic Radiology30 years ago

[Courtesy: Images: Dr. Michael Mc-Nitt Gray, UCLA, Production: Dr. Amir Huda, CSUF]