Clinical Definition

An x-ray is a medical imaging procedure, which utilizes electromagnet radiation in order to create images of internal structures of the body. The radiation passes through the body and is absorbed differently based on the density of the structure. X-rays are used diagnostically in order to identify fractures, consolidations and other internal abnormalities.

In Our Own Words

An x-ray is a diagnostic procedure performed to help a doctor see certain internal organs of the body, such as bones and some soft tissues. X-rays use invisible energy beams, or radiation, to create pictures of the structures in the body. Parts of the body absorb different amounts of radiation depending on how dense they are, and will appear differently on the x-ray. For instance, dense structures, such as bone, appear white on the x-ray because less energy gets through to hit the detector or expose the film. Since lungs are full of air (less dense) they appear darker on the film. X-rays can help diagnose a wide variety of conditions, such as pneumonia, fractures and tumors.