Modern Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Techniques
Anatomic Exploration Techniques
Radiography and X-Ray Imaging
Radiography: X-rays are able to traverse opaque bodies and are absorbed by organs according to their density. This technique can define the risk of organs such as the bone and show the skeleton organization.
Sonography and Ultrasound Technology
Sonography: This involves traversing a living tissue with an ultrasonic wave. The boundary between two bodies is determined by the difference between the capacities of each reflection. Exploration uses the soft organs like the liver or kidneys in prenatal care.
Endoscopy and Internal Examinations
Endoscopy: The introduction of optical fibers through natural orifices of the body to examine inside the cavity, such as the bronchi, the digestive tract, urinary tract, etc. It also allows the embryo to be observed through the amniotic membrane. The optical fibers carry light.
Computed Tomography and Scanners
Scanner, or Computed Tomography (Tomodensitometry): Visualizing body parts in successive sections. The apparatus consists of an X-ray tube and some detectors that analyze the fraction of the rays absorbed by tissues. Hard tissues appear clearer than soft tissue.
Biopsy and Microscopic Analysis
Biopsy: Removal of a small portion of living tissue from the organism to be studied and treated according to microscopic techniques. This allows clinicians to see the possible changes undergone by cells that form tissues and the diagnosis of alterations observed, including tumor diagnosis.
Functional Exploration Methods
Electromyography and Muscle Activity
Electromyography: Entering electrodes directly into the muscle. This allows for the recognition of the activation of the fibers through changes in the intensity of the electric current that comes through the electrodes (Myograph). It is used in the study of myopathies.
Thermography and Infrared Imaging
Thermography: Filming the body with a camera sensitive to infrared radiation emitted by any warm body. It applies to the detection of increased skin temperature that occurs in malignant breast tumors.
Nuclear Medicine and Scintigraphy
Nuclear Medicine or Scintigraphy: Injecting isotopes, which are weakly radioactive, into patients in very controlled amounts. These isotopes selectively settle and emit gamma radiation. This method is used in the study of kidneys, bones, heart, lungs, liver, and thyroid.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI: Used to determine chemical elements, such as hydrogen, when placed in an intense magnetic field, emitting characteristic signals.