CAT scans
Internal diagnostic pictures
CAT scans are medical imaging procedures that use X-rays taken from multiple angles, processed by computer to create cross-sectional views of the body.
CAT stands for computerized axial tomography.
The technique reveals internal structures—bones, organs, tumors—in detail impossible with standard X-rays.
Now more commonly called CT scans: The CT scan showed no internal bleeding.
Cut through perpendicularly
- axialAlong a rotation line
- coronalCirclet or wreath
- sagittalArrow-shaped or arrow-directional
- transverseExtending sideways across
slices · layers · 3D · reconstruction · contrast · resolution · rotation · helical
Doctor analyzing medical images
- technologistApplied science practitioner
- bariumSoft silvery alkaline element
- iodineAntiseptic element, atomic fifty-three
- injectionSyringe-delivered dose
preparation · fasting · breath-hold · positioning · supine · prone · outpatient · emergency
Abnormal tissue mass
- lesionArea of pathological change
- fractureSplit in hard material
- hemorrhageProfuse discharge of blood
- aneurysmArterial wall bulge
embolism · abscess · nodule · stenosis · calcification · metastasis · stroke · appendicitis
Seat of cognition
- chestRibcage region or strongbox
- abdomenTorso's lower cavity
- pelvisBony basin at waist
- spineColumn of vertebrae
lungs · liver · kidneys · pancreas · sinuses · coronary · pulmonary · cranial
Diagnostic imaging using X-rays
- X-rayPenetrating diagnostic beam
- MRIMagnetic body imaging
- ultrasoundInaudible high-frequency waves
- fluoroscopyContinuous X-ray video imaging
angiography · nuclear medicine · visualization · detector · beam · radiation · dose · exposure
cross-sectional
Cut through perpendicularly
transverse · slices · layers · 3D · reconstruction · contrast · resolution · rotation · helical · spiral
radiologist
Doctor analyzing medical images
- technologistApplied science practitioner
- bariumSoft silvery alkaline element
- iodineAntiseptic element, atomic fifty-three
injection · preparation · fasting · breath-hold · positioning · supine · prone · outpatient · emergency · screening
tumor
Abnormal tissue mass
- lesionArea of pathological change
- fractureSplit in hard material
- hemorrhageProfuse discharge of blood
aneurysm · embolism · abscess · nodule · stenosis · calcification · metastasis · stroke · appendicitis · kidney stones
brain
Seat of cognition
spine · lungs · liver · kidneys · pancreas · sinuses · coronary · pulmonary · cranial · thoracic
radiography
Diagnostic imaging using X-rays
- X-rayPenetrating diagnostic beam
- MRIMagnetic body imaging
- ultrasoundInaudible high-frequency waves
fluoroscopy · angiography · nuclear medicine · visualization · detector · beam · radiation · dose · exposure · digital
CAT scansMRI
Magnetic body imaging
ultrasound · magnetic resonance imaging · sonography · PET scans · X-rays
CAT scansphysical examination
Medical evaluation of body
palpation · auscultation · visual inspection · clinical observation · blood tests