CT Scan
- October 2, 2021
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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CT Scan
Subject – Science and Tech
Context – The first computed tomography image — a CT scan — of the human brain was made 50 years ago, on October 1, 1971.
Concept –
- The first computed tomography image — a CT scan — of the human brain was made 50 years ago, on October 1, 1971.
- A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, sends radiation through the body. However, unlike a simple X-ray study, it offers a much higher level of detail, creating computerized, 360-degree views of the body’s structures.
- CT scans are fast and detailed. They take longer than X-rays but are still fast (about one minute). This makes them ideal for emergency situations.
- CT scans can spot:
- Blood clots
- Bone fractures, including subtle fractures not visible on X-ray
- Organ injuries
- Tumors
- Cancer monitoring
- A computerized tomography (CT) scan is usually a series of X-rays taken from different angles and then assembled into a three-dimensional model by a computer.
CT scan vs. MRI
- CT scans are more widely used than MRIs and are typically less expensive.
- MRIs, however, are thought to be superior in regards to the detail of the image. The most notable difference is that CT scans use X-rays while MRIs (use radio waves) do not.