Introduction:<br />Since their discovery in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen, X-rays have revolutionized the medical field, especially in diagnosing fractures and internal diseases non-invasively. But what makes these rays able to “see” inside the human body? And why do bones appear differently from other tissues?<br /><br /> What Are X-rays?<br />X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, with wavelengths shorter than ultraviolet light but longer than gamma rays. They have very high energy, which allows them to penetrate various materials.<br /><br />Wavelength: 0.01 to 10 nanometers<br /><br />Frequency: 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz<br /><br /> How Do X-rays Work?<br />When X-rays are directed at the human body:<br /><br />They pass through soft tissues (such as muscles and skin) relatively easily.<br /><br />They are absorbed more by dense materials, especially bones.<br /><br />The remaining rays are recorded on a detector, creating an image that ranges from white (bones) to gray (muscles) to black (air or empty spaces).<br /><br /> Why Do Bones Appear Clearly?<br />Bones contain calcium, a dense element that absorbs a larger portion of the X-rays.<br /><br />This absorption prevents many rays from reaching the detector, making bones appear white on the radiographic image.<br /><br /> Medical Uses of X-rays:<br />Imaging bones and fractures<br /><br />Dental examinations<br /><br />Tumor detection<br /><br />Chest radiography<br /><br />Guiding surgical procedures (e.g., catheter placement)<br /><br /> Safety and Protection:<br />Although highly useful, frequent exposure to X-rays can be harmful. Therefore:<br /><br />Only small, precisely calculated doses are used.<br /><br />Lead shields are provided to protect areas not being imaged.<br /><br /> Conclusion:<br />X-rays are a vital tool in modern medicine, blending electromagnetic physics with digital technology to offer a non-invasive window into the human body. Their effectiveness lies in how they interact differently with tissues of varying densities—especially bones.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"AL_mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq"<br/><br/><a href=https://uomus.edu.iq/Default.aspx target=_blank>al-mustaqbal University Website</a>