The technique of Tomodensitometry (TDM) is often referred to as a “scanner” because of confusion between the process itself and the apparatus employed in that process. This imaging technique depends of the use of x-rays. It is particularly useful for observing the brain.
The x-ray beam is emitted by an x-ray tube and is then transformed by a detector into an electrical message that is sent to a computer.
The system emitter/detector is moved around the patient and computer analysis of received signals, from different angles, enables the creation of images in section. Credits: département de neuro-radiologie - CHU Henri Mondor - France
Learning objectives
To illustrate the images in section that the scanner makes possible.
To recognize the different parts of the cranial cavity
How to use the animation
Click and drag the cursor vertically alongside the head. A CT section of that part of the brain appears to the right.