Radiography (X-ray) uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures Because x-ray is fast and easy, it is particularly useful in emergency diagnosis and treatment.
X-rays are a form of radiation like light or radio waves. X-rays pass through most objects, including the body. Once it is carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined, an x-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special detector.
Different parts of the body absorb the x-rays in varying degrees. Dense bone absorbs much of the radiation while soft tissue, such as muscle, fat and organs, allow more of the x-rays to pass through them. As a result, bones appear white on the x-ray, soft tissue shows up in shades of gray and air appears black.
Most x-ray images are digital files that are stored electronically. These stored images are easily accessible for diagnosis and disease management.