What an X-Ray Is
X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of imaging to see inside the human body.
X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves. They are focused
into a beam that can pass through objects, including the human body. When an
x-ray is done, the rays pass through the body and strike a detector, which forms
an image of the inside of the body.
The x-rays are absorbed by different body tissues in varying degrees. Dense
tissue, like bone, absorbs most the xrays and consequently appears white on the
x-ray image. Less dense tissue absorbs less x-rays, allowing more rays to pass
through and strike the detector. These tissues show on the image in various shades
of gray. X-rays that pass through air, in the lungs and colon for example, aren’t
absorbed at all. These spaces appear black on the x-ray image.
Invision Sally Jobe offers x-rays at many of our outpatient centers in the South Denver
Metro area of Colorado.