Final answer:
Computed Tomography (CT), also known as computed axial tomography (CAT), is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed images of the internal body. Key components in a CT gantry include the X-ray tube, high-voltage generator, and computer system. CT scans provide advanced diagnostic information and have significantly advanced the medical field.
Step-by-step explanation:
Computed Tomography (CT), also known as computed axial tomography (CAT), is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that facilitates the inspection of the internal structure of the body. A CT scanner utilizes X-rays to capture multiple cross-sectional images or 'slices' of the body. These slices, when processed using complex computer image processing, produce detailed 3D images or two-dimensional views of the scanned area, allowing for an in-depth analysis of tissues and structures within the body.
Within the CT gantry, physical components typically include an X-ray tube that emits the X-rays, a high-voltage generator that powers the X-ray tube, and a computer system responsible for processing the X-ray data into images. X-rays pass through the body, and detectors register their absorption levels. These registered data are then sent to the computer system where they are analyzed to produce the final images. The invention of CT scanning was so revolutionary that it earned Hounsfield and Cormack the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1979. Today, CT scans are widely used in the medical field for diagnosing various conditions, planning medical treatments, and guiding certain procedures.