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Part 1 : Modern Imaging Techniques

Part 1 explains the background to the need for medical imaging, and discusses the shortcomings in traditional X-ray techniques.

It goes on to explain how Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR, or MRI) and Ultrasound work.

Computed Tomography
This is a modern development of X-ray techniques, overcoming some of the problems with traditional X-rays. 		Magnetic Resonance
MR can provide highly detailed pictures of internal organs and structures, but is expensive and slow.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound provides cheap images very quickly, but they are of relatively poor quality.		 Other new techniques
For example, the drinking of mildly radioactive liquids or the injection of harmless dyes to allow doctors to see more clearly what is happening inside the body.
Glossary of medical imaging terms | Map of entire site