Medical Terminology Simplified

Radiographic procedure that uses a fluorescent screen instead of a photographic plate

to produce a visual image from x-rays that pass through the patient, resulting in con-

tinuous imaging of the motion of internal structures and immediate serial images

Fluoroscopy is invaluable in diagnostic and clinical procedures. It permits the radiogra-

pher to observe organs, such as the digestive tract and heart, in motion. It is also used

during intrauterine fetal transfusion, biopsy surgery, nasogastric tube placement, and

cardiac catheterization.

Radiographic procedure that uses electromagnetic energy to produce multiplanar

cross-sectional images of the body

MRI does not require a contrast medium; however, one may be used to enhance visuali-

zation of internal structures. (See Fig. 2–7E.) MRI is regarded as superior to CT for

most abnormalities of the central nervous system (particularly of the brainstem and

spinal cord), musculoskeletal system, and pelvic area.

52 CHAPTER 2• Body Structure

fluoroscopy

floo-or-ŎS-kō-pē

fluor/o: luminous,

fluorescence

-scopy: visual

examination

magnetic resonance

imaging (MRI)

măg-NĔT-ĭc RĔZ-ĕn-ăns

ĬM-ĭj-ĭng

Figure 2-7Medical imaging. (A)Chest radiograph. (B)Ultrasonography of blood flow with
color indicating direction. (C)Nuclear scan of the liver and spleen. (D)Computed tomography
(CT) scan of the eye showing a tumor below the optic nerve (arrow). (E)Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) scan of the head. (F)PET scan of the brain. (A) From McKinnis, L. Fundamentals
of Orthopedic Radiology, page 149. F. A. Davis, 1997, with permission. (B) Courtesy of Suzanne
Wambold, PhD, University of Toledo. (C) From Pittiglio, D. H., and Sacher, R. A. Clinical Hematology
and Fundamentals of Hemostasis, page 302. F. A. Davis, 1987, with permission. (D, E, F) From Mazziotta,
J. C., and Gilman, S. Clinical Brain Imaging: Principles and Applications, pages 27 and 298. Oxford
University Press, 1992, with permission.

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D EF