What is the primary source of x-rays in medical imaging?

The primary source of x-rays in medical imaging is the x-ray tube. The x-ray tube is designed to generate x-rays through a process known as thermionic emission. Inside the tube, electrons are emitted from a heated filament and are accelerated towards a metal target, typically made of tungsten. When these high-energy electrons collide with the target, they interact with the atoms in the target material, resulting in the generation of x-rays.

The x-ray tube is responsible for the creation of the x-ray beam that is then directed towards the patient and captured by imaging receptors. Understanding the role of the x-ray tube is crucial, as it is not only essential for generating the x-rays, but it also determines the quality and characteristics of the x-ray images produced.