Final answer:
Contrast media are used in diagnostic imaging to enhance the visibility of structures or tissues in the body. They contain elements or compounds with different physical properties than the surrounding tissues, providing better contrast in the resulting images. Examples include using iodinated contrast media in X-ray and CT scans, and gadolinium-based contrast agents in MRI scans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contrast media, also known as contrast agents, play a crucial role in diagnostic imaging in medicine. They are substances that are used to enhance the visibility of certain structures or tissues in the body during imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and nuclear medicine scans. Contrast media contain elements or compounds that have different physical properties than the surrounding tissues, making them stand out and providing better contrast in the resulting images.
For example, in X-ray imaging, iodinated contrast media can be injected intravenously to highlight blood vessels or organs such as the gastrointestinal tract. In CT scans, iodinated contrast agents can help distinguish between different types of tissues, making it easier to identify abnormalities or diseases. In MRI scans, gadolinium-based contrast agents can be administered to enhance the visualization of specific tissues or structures.