Radiology and Terminology Quiz

Radiation and Radiology: An Introduction and Terminology

• Radiation is energy that travels through space at the speed of light, with electric and magnetic fields associated with it, and wave-like properties.
• Natural sources of radiation account for 70-85% of exposure, including inhalation of radon gas, radionuclides from rock, ingestion, and cosmic radiation.
• Man-made sources make up 15-30% of exposure, including diagnostic medical procedures, atmospheric nuclear testing, and occupational exposure.
• Public exposure to radiation is approximately 2.4 mSv per year from natural background radiation and 0.6 mSv from medical radiation exposure, totaling 3 mSv per year.
• CT scans contribute to 4% of all diagnostic imaging modalities but account for about 40% of all medical radiation exposure.
• Radiation dose is measured in millisieverts (mSv), and the effective dose reflects the amount of radiation absorbed.
• Diagnostic Radiology and Medical Imaging are fields of medicine specializing in the use of various imaging technologies for diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Prof. Germeen A. Ashamallah is associated with Mansoura University and is an expert in Diagnostic Radiology and Medical Imaging.
• The terminology "radiation" can also be referred to as "electromagnetic waves" due to its wave-like properties.
• The public is exposed to natural background radiation and medical radiation, with the latter contributing to about 30% of overall exposure.
• The overall exposure to radiation is 3 mSv per year, with natural background radiation contributing the majority.
• Understanding radiation and its exposure is crucial in the field of radiology and medical imaging for patient safety and effective treatment planning.