What does computed tomography (CT) utilize to produce cross-sectional views of the body?

Computed tomography (CT) utilizes multiple X-ray images to create cross-sectional views of the body. This imaging technique involves taking a series of X-ray images from different angles as the patient is rotated within the scanner. The data obtained from these individual X-ray slices are then processed by a computer to generate detailed cross-sectional images, or slices, of specific areas of the body. This allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of organs and structures, compared to standard X-ray imaging, which provides only a two-dimensional view.

The use of multiple X-ray images is pivotal in CT because it enables the visualization of internal structures in three dimensions, offering a more nuanced perspective on the anatomy and pathology present within the body. The ability to compile information from varying angles results in clearer delineation of tissues and potential abnormalities, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in clinical practice. Therefore, this reliance on X-ray technology is fundamentally what distinguishes CT from other imaging modalities.