Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that has high energy and short wavelengths. They can penetrate through soft tissues but are absorbed by denser materials such as bones.
Related terms
Radiography: The use of X-rays for diagnostic purposes, often used for examining broken bones or dental conditions.
Fluoroscopy: A type of medical imaging that uses continuous X-ray beams to visualize moving organs in real-time, such as the digestive system or blood vessels.
Radiation Therapy: The use of targeted high-energy X-rays (or other types of radiation) to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.