An x-ray is a photo taken with a machine which passes electromagnetic radiation through the body, capturing an image of the internal structures.
Review Date: 5/2/2009 Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.