Penetrating electromagnetic radiation emitted when the inner orbital electrons of an atom are excited and release radiant energy. X-ray wavelengths range from 1 pm to 10 nm. Hard X-rays are the higher energy, shorter wavelength X-rays. Soft x-rays or Grenz rays are less energetic and longer in wavelength. The short wavelength end of the X-ray spectrum overlaps the GAMMA RAYS wavelength range. The distinction between gamma rays and X-rays is based on their radiation source.

Annotation

diagnostic use of X-rays = RADIOGRAPHY + specific disease /diag image; therapeutic use of X-rays = X-RAY THERAPY (general) or /radiother with specific diseases; X-ray or x-ray in translations: follow text

DUI

D014965 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0023041

History note

91(75); was see under RADIATION, IONIZING 1976-90; was see under RADIATION 1965-75

Online note

search RADIATION 1966-74

Public note

91; was see under RADIATION, IONIZING 1976-90; was see under RADIATION 1965-75