röntgenbeeld

A röntgenbeeld, commonly known as an X-ray image, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses electromagnetic radiation to create images of the inside of the body. This process involves directing a beam of X-rays through the body part being examined. Different tissues absorb X-rays to varying degrees. Dense tissues like bone absorb more X-rays, appearing white on the resulting image, while softer tissues like muscle and fat absorb fewer and appear in shades of gray. Air, which absorbs very few X-rays, appears black.

The X-rays that pass through the body then strike a detector, which can be photographic film or a digital sensor. This detector records the pattern of X-ray absorption, creating the final image. Radiologists, medical professionals trained in interpreting medical images, analyze these röntgenbeelden to identify abnormalities such as fractures, infections, tumors, or foreign objects.

Röntgenbeelden are a fundamental tool in medical diagnostics due to their speed, accessibility, and relatively low cost. They are widely used for examining bones, the chest (for conditions affecting the lungs and heart), and the abdomen. While very effective for visualizing bone structures and dense abnormalities, their ability to differentiate between soft tissues is limited compared to other imaging modalities like CT scans or MRI. The radiation dose associated with a single X-ray is generally considered low, but repeated exposures are minimized to reduce cumulative radiation risk.