radiography
(RAY-dee-AH-gruh-fee)
A procedure that uses a type of high-energy radiation called x-rays to take pictures of areas inside the body. X-rays pass through the body onto film or a computer, where the pictures are made. The tissues and organs usually appear in various shades of black and white because different tissues allow different amounts of the x-ray beams to pass through them. Radiography is used to help diagnose disease and plan treatment. Also called x-ray imaging.