The computed tomography scanner, or CT scanner, was originally designed to provide cross-sectional images of the brain. The word tomography comes from the Greek word tomos, meaning "section," and graphia, meaning "picture."
The computed tomography scanner, or CT scanner, was originally designed to provide cross-sectional images of the brain. The word tomography comes from the Greek word tomos, meaning "section," and graphia, meaning "picture."
The patient lies still on a special table which slides into a round tunnel, called a gantry. The technician can then rotate the gantry or move it forward and backward in order to obtain the necessary view.
In many cases, a patient must be given a contrast material before undergoing a CT scan. During "dynamic CT scanning," iodine dye is either injected into the blood or added to a drink that the patient must ingest.