Final answer:
CT scanners use microcomputers to process scan data, with advancements since the 1970s enabling sophisticated software for detailed diagnostic imaging.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modern CT scanners rely on microcomputers to rapidly process the collected scan data. The term microcomputer is commonly used for personal computers that are relatively small and inexpensive compared to larger systems like mainframes or supercomputers. These advancements since the 1970s have allowed for more sophisticated software that can handle the detailed images produced by CT scans, aiding in diagnostic evaluations with a high level of precision.