Final answer:
Chest X-rays are used to observe the size and position of organs in the chest cavity such as the lungs and heart. They can show details including artificial pacemakers and heart valves. CT scans give a cross-sectional view, aiding in thorough medical assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chest X-rays are commonly used to observe the size and position of organs in the chest cavity. These organs include the lungs, heart, and the major vessels such as the aorta. X-rays use external radiation to create images of these organs. Computed tomography (CT) scans, on the other hand, provide a cross-sectional view of the organ using computer-processed X-ray measurements from various angles.
The thoracic cavity, for instance, is shown in such X-ray images. It includes two pleural cavities that hold the lungs and a pericardial cavity for the heart. Chest X-rays can reveal a plethora of details such as the presence of artificial pacemakers, heart valves, and possibly the wires used in surgical procedures to close the sternum. These are depicted in shadow X-ray images that provide clear representations of these structures.
Chest X-rays and CT scans are invaluable diagnostic tools that allow clinicians to assess the health of thoracic organs and identify any abnormalities, which might not be evident through physical examination alone.