How Radio Waves and X-rays Help Doctors See Inside the Body

OctetSci Academy
Apr 30
1 min read

Have you ever wondered how doctors can see inside the human body without surgery? Medical imaging technologies like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans seem almost magical to children and adults alike. This guide explains the science behind complex medical imaging concepts that are used to diagnose and treat various conditions.

Radio Waves: The Gentle Giants

What they are: Waves with the longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum (from football-sized to larger than planet Earth!)
Safety profile: Non-ionising (they don't damage cells)
Where we encounter them: Radio stations, TV signals, WiFi, and MRI machines

X-rays: The Powerful Penetrators

What they are: High-energy waves with very short wavelengths
Safety profile: Ionising (can potentially damage cells with significant exposure)
Where we encounter them: Dental visits, broken bone diagnosis, and airport security

Download The Radiowaves, X-ray and Medical Imaging Poster here:

MRI Scans: Using Magnets and Radio Waves to See Inside

How MRI Works

The big tube contains super-strong magnets (30,000 times stronger than Earth's magnetic field!)
These magnets temporarily align the water molecules in your body
Radio waves (like invisible radio station signals) gently knock these molecules out of position
As the molecules snap back into place, they send out signals
A computer collects these signals and turns them into detailed pictures

What Makes MRIs Special for Children's Healthcare

No radiation exposure: Unlike X-rays, MRIs don't use ionising radiation, making them especially valuable for children who might need multiple scans
Superior soft tissue imaging: Excellent for viewing the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and joints
Detailed information: Provides information about blood flow and tissue function, not just structure