Radiograph

X-ray image of a statue in profile

Description

A photographic image produced from film exposed to x-rays, gamma rays, or nuclear radiation. When photographic film is placed behind an object that is irradiated with a high energy source, any radiation passing through the object will expose the film. Thus a radiograph that shows the radiopacity of the object. Dense regions such as bones, lead white pigments or metal pins will block the radiation, while less dense regions such as muscle, chalk or a ceramic will pass the rays. Radiographs are used to examine the interior construction of objects and paintings.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Röntgenaufnahme (Deut.); radiogramme, cliché radiographique (Fr.); shadowgraph; skiagram; skiagraph; x-radiograph