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How Are X-Rays Created?

The X-ray was invented in December of 1895, by Professor Wilhelm Roentgen. The first picture taken was of his wife's hand. It made diagnosing broken bones and internal injuries easier.

  1. How it Works

    • The principle behind the X-ray is that different parts of the human body absorb the rays at different rates. When the X-ray develops, it gives an impression of the bones. As the bones absorb more of the rays, breaks appear as a gap in the bone.

    Preparation

    • Depending on the part of the body being X-rayed, patients might have to remove articles of clothing or jewelry. Certain other metallic items, such as glasses, also might need to be removed.

    Taking the X-ray

    • To take the X-ray, the patient must lie on a table. The X-ray plate is placed under the table, below the area of the body which is to be pictured. Ionizing radiation is then emitted from the X-ray machine, which is placed just above the area that is to be pictured. The radiation moves through the body and leaves an image on the plate below the table.

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