Q - Glossary of Terms

Glossary of terms index - A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Q - Glossary of Terms

Quadrant	(qwod'rant) A fourth; a quarter; any one of four equal parts of divisions, as of orbit or of abdomen.
Quadrate	(kwod'rat) Square or almost square in form; cubical; quadrate lobe of liver.
Quadriceps	Latin quadri = four, and caput = head; hence, a 4-headed muscle
Quality	A term referring to the penetrability or average energy of the X-ray beam.
Quality assurance (QA)	All planned and systematic actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that a facility, system, or administrative component will perform safely and satisfactorily in service to a patient. It includes scheduling, preparation and promptness in the examination or treatment, reporting of results, and quality control.
Quality control (QC)	All actions necessary to control and verify the performance of equipment. It is included in quality assurance.
Quantity	A term referring to the number of protons in the X-ray beam.
Quantum	An x-ray photon.
Quantum mottle	A type of radiographic mottle (noise) due to the fact that the beam is composed of individual X-ray photons. In a particular region of the beam, there is a statistical variance resultant from the number of photons incident on the intensifying screen. The greater the number of photons in the region, the lower the quantum mottle. This effect is more noticeable when very high rare-earth systems are used at a high kVp.
Quantum theory	The theory in the physics of matter smaller than an atom and of electromagnetic radiation.
Quickening	(kwik'en-ing) First movement of fetus in utero felt by mother, usually occurring about midterm.

Glossary of terms index - A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z


◄ .....Go back to the general radiography homepage