ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of different imaging technologies. It presents an overview of different imaging technologies. Magnetic resonance imaging is suitable for evaluating cardiac function; for example, determining heart wall thickness and studying coronary arteries and heart valves. Micro-computed tomography is distinguished from other imaging x-ray techniques by its ability to acquire high-resolution images based on the physical density of tissues. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry is a non-invasive method used to measure bone mass, bone mineral density, or bone mineral content, as well as fat and lean mass of the total body, axial or peripheral skeleton. Ultrasonography is a method of studying the soft structures of the body without the use of ionising radiation. First generation instruments utilised an x-ray pencil-beam to scan the body, but recent developments have led to the introduction of a fan-beam. The technology can also be used to study gene expression and protein interactions.
