Which type of radiation is typically used in medical imaging?

Gamma radiation is commonly used in medical imaging due to its ability to penetrate tissues and provide clear images of internal body structures. This characteristic makes gamma rays ideal for techniques such as gamma camera imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Gamma radiation can be emitted from radioactive tracers that are introduced into the body. As these tracers emit gamma rays, detectors can capture the resulting images, allowing healthcare professionals to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions.

In contrast, alpha radiation is absorbed by the outer layers of the skin and is not suitable for imaging internal body structures. Beta radiation can penetrate further than alpha radiation but is still not as effective as gamma radiation for medical imaging due to its relatively lower penetrating power. Neutron radiation, while useful in certain specialized applications, does not have the same applications or effectiveness in the context of medical imaging.