Hounsfield Units
Hounsfield units (HU) are a measurement used in computed tomography (CT) scans to quantify the density of different tissues in the body. They provide a standardized way to compare how different materials absorb X-rays. Water is assigned a value of 0 HU, while air is -1000 HU, and dense materials like bone can reach over +700 HU. This scale helps doctors differentiate between various types of tissues, such as fat, muscle, and tumors, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning. Essentially, Hounsfield units allow for clearer images and better assessments of internal structures.
Additional Insights
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Hounsfield Units (HUs) are a standard measurement used in medical imaging, particularly in CT scans, to quantify the density of tissues. By assigning values based on how much X-ray radiation a substance attenuates, water is set at 0 HU, and air at -1000 HU. Denser materials, like bone, have positive values (typically +400 to +1000 HU), while fat and other soft tissues fall in between. This scale helps doctors differentiate between various types of tissues or abnormalities in the body, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.