Radiology Practice Test

What imaging technique uses ionizing radiation to produce images of the body's internal structures?

1. X-ray

2. CT Scan

3. MRI

4. Ultrasound

The correct answer is: X-ray

The imaging technique that uses ionizing radiation to produce images of the body's internal structures is the X-ray. X-ray imaging works by passing a controlled amount of ionizing radiation through the body, which is absorbed in varying degrees by different tissues. Dense structures, such as bones, absorb more radiation and appear white on the X-ray film, while softer tissues absorb less and appear darker. This differential absorption allows for clear visualization of bone fractures, infections, and other conditions. While a CT scan also utilizes ionizing radiation, it is a more advanced imaging technique that combines multiple X-ray images taken from different angles to create cross-sectional images of the body. MRI and ultrasound do not use ionizing radiation; MRI employs strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images, while ultrasound uses sound waves. Therefore, the most straightforward answer in the context of basic imaging techniques that specifically employs ionizing radiation is X-ray.