32. X-ray apparatus, circa 1930

Computed Axial Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Emission Tomography (ET) are the main new imaging technologies. These technologies yield two distinct types of information--CT and MR enable physicians to view anatomical structure, while ET permits a visualization of chemical processes occurring in the body such as the metabolism of sugar. ET images can be obtained with Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPET), or Positron Emission Tomography (P.E.T.). All of these technologies have two purposes: They can be used to diagnose diseases and to further the understanding of how the body functions normally and during disease. Examples of these techniques along with case histories are on exhibit in the Medical Museum.