Final answer:
Computed tomography (CT), also known as computed axial tomography (CAT), is a medical imaging procedure that produces detailed three-dimensional x-ray images of abdominal organs by taking numerous x-ray 'slices' from different angles and analyzing them with a computer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is inquiring about the process of obtaining detailed images of abdominal organs using imaging technology. A standard x-ray provides only a two-dimensional view, which can be limited because dense bones may obscure the images of soft tissues or organs. For a more comprehensive view, a procedure known as computed tomography (CT), or computed axial tomography (CAT) is used. This method involves taking x-ray images in “slices” through the abdomen from various angles. These slices are then analyzed by a computer to produce highly detailed three-dimensional images of the organs. The CT scanner rotates around the patient and captures multiple slices, which can be assembled to create a three-dimensional representation of the patient's internal structures.
CT scans greatly enhance diagnostic capabilities, as they can provide clear images of soft tissues that may be hidden in standard x-rays. For instance, it can be used to detect evidence of gallbladder disease such as gallstones or other conditions affecting the abdominal organs. The development of CT by G. Hounsfield and A. Cormack, which earned them the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1979, marked a significant advancement in medical imaging technology.