Final answer:
Computed Tomography (CT), or a CT scan, is a medical imaging method that employs X-rays and computer analysis to create cross-sectional images of the body, useful for examining soft tissue and precise measurements of internal structures, despite higher radiation exposure risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The device being described is known as Computed Tomography (CT), commonly referred to as a CT or CAT scan. It is a sophisticated medical imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computers to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the body. During a CT scan, the patient lies on a motorized platform, and the CT scanner rotates around the patient capturing X-ray images from multiple angles. The relative absorption of these X-rays by different tissues creates a contrast that, when analyzed by a computer, allows for the construction of a highly detailed two-dimensional view of the 'slice' being examined.
By compiling multiple slices, physicians can generate a three-dimensional representation of the scanned area, making CT scans especially valuable for soft tissue analysis and the precise measurement of masses. However, the main drawback of CT scans is the exposure to higher levels of radiation as compared to standard X-rays, which can present a long-term risk of cancer, especially for children and for adults undergoing multiple scans.