الاستعمالات الطبية للاشعة السينية - الاشعة فوق البنفسجية .. الفيزياء

Medical uses of X-rays - Ultraviolet radiation .. Physics

Medical uses of X-rays

X-rays have many medical uses. The tissues in the body are generally composed of relatively light atoms - such as hydrogen, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen - which do not absorb these rays to the extent that heavy atoms, such as calcium atoms found inside bones, do. An X-ray (radio) image is obtained when a section of the body is placed between a weak source of radiation and an imaging plate. Since bones are known for their strong absorption of X-rays, the shape of the bone can be easily seen on the image and the fracture or defect can be diagnosed.

(To the top) Exposing the tumor to radiation where the diseased tissue receives the largest amount of it.

(To the bottom) Cosmic rays produce some elementary particles in the upper atmosphere.

Powerful X-rays (electrons) are used in the treatment of - such as cancer cells. It is known that killing and destroying a highly active cell with radiation is easier than killing a cell that reproduces in the normal form of cancer. The tumor (i.e. a group of cancer cells) is exposed after diagnosis to either a narrow beam of specific-direction X-rays, or to radiation beams coming from two or three different directions, which reduces the risk of destroying living tissue and the tumor receiving the largest amount of radiation intended for treatment.

The human body consists mostly of water (75%) and most of the effect of radiation is explained by its ability to displace water molecules in its path inside the body. It is worth noting that the products of water displacement have strong reactions that enable them to attack living molecules that control cell functions and prevent them from doing their job well, which ultimately leads to cell death. It is known that destruction by radiation occurs when the molecules of the cell itself are displaced.

It must be noted here that a dose that exceeds the required amount generates cancer. Although the low dose is not dangerous to the body, it is capable of destroying germ cells known for their extreme sensitivity to radiation (eggs or sperm), which affects the health of future generations. For this reason, the use of X-rays must be carefully monitored.