What is an X-ray?

What is an X-ray?

Kenneth W. Chin (M.D., F.A.C.R.) gives expert video advice on: Can any part of the body be X-rayed?; What are the risks of X-ray radiation?; What is the difference between a low dose exam and a high dose exam? and more...

X-rays are beams of energy that are created when electrons hit some specific metal surfaces. The radiation that comes off, is of a sufficient energy that can actually penetrate tissue. When it penetrates the tissue, and there is an imaging surface behind it, such as photographic film, then a picture of that particular body part can be demonstrated.