Medical Photography Key Terms

Discover what medical photography terms you should know
By Nikki Davis Medical photography and imagery have been around for a long time, but with advances in technology it is more about the quality of the image (and ease in diagnosis) than it is about the method of production of a picture. There are many specialty offshoots of medical photography. It is used by cardiologists, radiologists, surgeons and others to aid in the diagnosis, management and treatment of medical conditions. It not only gives you a tool with which to make a diagnosis, it also gives you a permanent record of disease.

MRI

An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, uses magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and computer technology to give detailed images of organs, soft tissues, bones and other internal structures. The images can be seen on a computer and printed or saved to disk for future use.
Try:  Learn about MRI technology from the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

CT, CAT scan

A CT or CAT scan, also known as computerized axial tomography, allows doctors to combine X-ray images by way of computer to give cross-sectional views as well as 3-D images of internal organs and body structures.
Try:  Find out more about CT scans from MedicineNet.

X-ray angiography

X-ray angiography is used to produce images that help diagnose diseases of the blood vessels. This technology helps in the diagnosis of problems in the brain and heart.
Try:  Discover more about X-ray angiography from Imaginis.

UV

UV fluorescence photography is used in the field of dentistry to record the presence of artificial teeth. It is also useful to record such dermatological conditions as psoriasis or fungal infections of the skin, e.g. ringworm.
Try:  Find out more about UV light used in medical photography from Profect.

IR

IR (infrared) photography is used to determine and record peripheral vascular patterns. It is helpful when working with such conditions as venous thrombosis, varicose veins and varicose ulcers.
Try:  Find out more about digital infrared thermal imaging and deep vein thrombosis from Meditherm. Rochester Institute of Technology provides detailed information about infrared photography.

Axial anatomical images

Axial anatomical images are cross-section images that are taken through the entire axial dimension of the body. The slices have been likened to pages of a book. The Visible Human Project has made use of 18,000 digitized sections to create complete, anatomically detailed, 3-D representations of healthy male and female human bodies.
Try:  Discover more about The Visible Human Project from the National Library of Medicine. See axial anatomical images of the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis from Wayne State University.