CAT scans generate cross-sectional images of the brain using what?

• A. Magnetic resonance
• B. Nuclear imaging
• C. generate cross-sectional images of the brain using a series of X-ray pictures taken from different angles
• D. Ultrasound

Answer: (C)

Cat scans create cross-sectional images by rotating an X-ray source around the head and capturing transmitted X-rays from many angles, then using a computer to reconstruct those views into thin slices. This approach relies on differences in how tissues attenuate X-rays, which allows the computer to separate structures in each slice.

The other options describe different imaging methods: MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to image soft tissue rather than X-ray attenuation; nuclear imaging (like PET or SPECT) uses radioactive tracers to show metabolic activity; ultrasound sends sound waves and analyzes echoes. None of these produce the characteristic cross-sectional X-ray slices that CT scans provide.