What is one of the purposes of an X-Ray in medical imaging?

One of the primary purposes of an X-ray in medical imaging is to visualize the internal structure of the body, particularly hard tissues such as bones. X-rays are particularly effective at highlighting fractures, so they are frequently used to detect broken bones. Additionally, X-rays can provide valuable information about lung diseases, as certain conditions can alter the appearance of lung tissue and air spaces. This capability makes X-rays an essential tool in diagnosing both skeletal injuries and pulmonary conditions.

In contrast, the other options pertain to imaging techniques that have different strengths. For example, while X-rays can show some soft tissue, they are not dedicated to producing detailed images of soft tissues; modalities such as MRI or ultrasound are better suited for that. Assessing the functionality of internal organs typically requires different imaging tests such as ultrasounds or functional imaging studies, rather than standard X-rays. Evaluating blood flow is usually performed with specialized techniques like angiography or Doppler ultrasound, rather than conventional X-ray imaging.