Introduction to Radiology:

Everyday objects

This is an x-ray image--you can tell because there is a single image with structures overlapping. Notice that some of the structures are square in shape while others are round. The round structures seem to have some sort of stems connecting them. Noticing shapes and fine details are examples of things radiologists do when looking at patient x-rays. X-rays are often good for getting a quick overview of a large area without using a lot of radiation.

This is a set of CT (computed tomography) images--you can tell because there are a series of images (slices) without overlap of structures. Again notice that some of the structures are square in shape while others are round, with connecting stems. If you look very closely at the square object in the middle row left image, it seems to have some holes inside it that were not very apparent on the x-ray. CT is often good for looking at internal structures that may not be evident on x-rays.