Anterior - Refers to the front side of the human body when viewed in the anatomical position.

Anatomical Position - The standard excepted guide line as to what makes up the front, or anterior part of the human body, and what makes up the back, or posterior part. The commonly excepted position is that shown in Leonardo DiVinci's famous study of the human body as shown in the side bar with the arms at your side and the palms facing forward.

Contrast Media - The more correct term for x-ray dye, commonly spoken of as just contrast. There are currently several dozen different contrasts on the market that I know of, each one "designed" for a specific application or use.

Ionization - The formation of an electrically charged particle or atom through the addition or subtraction of one or more electrons in the outer shell.

Ionizing Radiation - A form of radiation that carries the potential to create ions through the transfer of energy to or from an atom. Potential harmful to living organism if of a high enough level of energy due to the potential for cellular damage if enough atoms in a cell are ionized.

Lateral - A term used in radiology to refer to a side view of the body or body part.

PA - short for posterioanterior. As with AP, it describes the resulting x-ray in terms of which part of the body is facing the x-ray tube. In this case, the back, or posterior surface of the body is facing the x-ray tube, and the front, or anterior is facing the film or plate.

Posterior - Refers to the back side of the human body when view in the anatomical position.

Prone - Implies that the patient is laying on their stomach.

Oblique - An angled picture where, ideally, the patient is rolled or turned towards one side or the other. An oblique is typically used to visualize areas or body structures not commonly visible on a front view or a side view.

Radiation - Though commonly associated with potentially harmful emissions from radioactive items such as uranium and plutonium, radiation actually includes all forms of energy carrying waves including visible light and radio waves. See also Ionizing Radiation.

Radiographer - One term commonly used to denote a Radiologic Technologist.

Radiologic Technologist - The current "politically correct" term for a x-ray tech. Preferred to x-ray technician since the term manages to avoid the emotional context of being a "button pusher" by implying instead that the person holding this title is a trained professional.

Radiologist - A medical doctor who specializes in the field of x-rays, both in their use and in their interpretation.