FLUOROSCOPE Meaning and
Definition
-
A fluoroscope is a specialized medical device used to generate real-time X-ray images of internal structures or processes within the human body. It consists of a fluorescent screen, an X-ray tube, and a means to display the resulting images.
When the X-ray tube emits high-energy X-rays, they pass through the patient's body and are absorbed differently by different tissues. The X-rays that are able to pass through the body then strike the fluorescent screen, causing it to emit visible light. The resulting image is viewed by the medical professional in real-time, providing immediate feedback on the internal structures being examined.
Fluoroscopes are commonly used in various medical applications, such as orthopedics, cardiology, and gastroenterology, among others. They allow healthcare providers to examine dynamic processes within the body, such as the movement of internal organs, the functioning of the heart, or the positioning of bones and joints. Additionally, fluoroscopy is widely used for guidance during procedures like catheter insertion, stent placement, or joint injections.
Although fluoroscopes are instrumental in diagnosing and monitoring certain medical conditions, it is important to note that they expose patients to ionizing radiation. Therefore, appropriate safety precautions must be taken, including minimizing the duration and intensity of exposure, shielding sensitive areas, and using specialized equipment to maintain safety for both the patient and the healthcare provider.
-
An apparatus for rendering visible the shadows of the x-rays which, after passing through the body examined, are projected on a fluorescent screen of calcium tungstate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FLUOROSCOPE
Etymology of FLUOROSCOPE
The word "fluoroscope" is derived from the combination of two Latin roots: "fluor" meaning "flow" or "to flow" and "scope" meaning "to look at" or "to examine".
The term was coined in the early 20th century when X-ray technology was being developed and used in medical imaging. At the time, a fluoroscope was a device that utilized X-rays to produce real-time images of the internal structures of the body. The term was chosen to reflect the "flow" of X-rays passing through the body to create the images observed by the medical professional.
Similar spelling words for FLUOROSCOPE
- fluorochrome,
- flourish,
- flour corn,
- fluoroscopy,
- fluorosis,
- fluoresceine,
- fluoresce,
- fluorescein,
- fluorescent,
- florescence,
- fluorspar,
- fluorescence.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
