Which statement best describes the function of a computed tomography scan?

Which statement best describes the function of a computed tomography scan?

• A. It uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of soft tissues
• B. It uses ultrasound to create real-time images
• C. It uses X-ray images combined by a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images
• D. It uses radioactive tracers to measure metabolic activity

Answer: (C)

Computed tomography builds a detailed picture by taking many X-ray images around the body and using a computer to reconstruct them into cross-sectional slices. By stacking these slices, it can create three-dimensional representations when needed. This method relies on X-ray attenuation to differentiate tissues, giving quick, detailed views of internal anatomy, especially useful for bones and soft tissues. It differs from MRI, which uses magnetic fields; from ultrasound, which uses sound waves for real-time imaging; and from PET, which uses radioactive tracers to measure metabolic activity. So, describing X-ray images combined by a computer to generate cross-sectional views and 3D images captures how computed tomography works.

Computed tomography builds a detailed picture by taking many X-ray images around the body and using a computer to reconstruct them into cross-sectional slices. By stacking these slices, it can create three-dimensional representations when needed. This method relies on X-ray attenuation to differentiate tissues, giving quick, detailed views of internal anatomy, especially useful for bones and soft tissues. It differs from MRI, which uses magnetic fields; from ultrasound, which uses sound waves for real-time imaging; and from PET, which uses radioactive tracers to measure metabolic activity. So, describing X-ray images combined by a computer to generate cross-sectional views and 3D images captures how computed tomography works.