In what way does a lead apron protect human cells from X-rays?
A. It reduces the X-ray strength.
B. The lead apron shields cells from exposure.
C. The person is less likely to move.
D. It keeps the X-rays away from the mouth.
B. The lead apron shields cells from exposure.
Well, let's see. A lead apron does a great job at shielding cells from exposure to X-rays, which would be option B. It's like wrapping everyone up in a protective lead hug. But, just to be clear, it doesn't reduce the strength of the X-rays (option A) or keep them away from the mouth (option D). And as for option C, well, the lead apron might help keep someone in place, but it's mainly about the shielding. So, the best answer here is B!
B. The lead apron shields cells from exposure.
The correct answer is B. The lead apron shields cells from exposure.
Lead aprons are commonly used in medical settings to protect patients from unnecessary radiation exposure during X-ray examinations. The apron is made of a dense material, usually lead or lead-equivalent, which helps absorb and scatter the X-rays, preventing them from reaching the body.
To further explain how a lead apron protects human cells from X-rays:
1. X-ray Strength: While it is true that X-rays can be reduced in strength by various methods, such as adjusting the kilovoltage (kVp) or milliamperage (mA), the lead apron itself does not directly reduce the strength of X-rays.
2. Shielding Cells from Exposure: When a person undergoes an X-ray examination, X-rays are emitted from a source and pass through the body. These X-rays can potentially damage cells, causing harm. The lead apron acts as a shield, preventing the X-rays from penetrating the apron and reaching the cells in the body. It effectively blocks the majority of the X-ray radiation, reducing the exposure to the underlying tissues and organs.
3. Reducing Movement: While the person wearing a lead apron may be less likely to move due to the added weight and discomfort, reducing motion does not directly relate to protection from X-rays. A lead apron primarily provides physical shielding from radiation.
4. Protecting the Mouth: Lead aprons are typically worn over the torso area during X-ray examinations, and they do not specifically target or protect the mouth from X-rays. In some dental X-ray procedures, a separate lead collar or thyroid shield may be used to protect the thyroid gland, but this is not mentioned in the question.
In conclusion, a lead apron protects human cells from X-rays by acting as a shield, blocking the X-rays from reaching the body and thus reducing radiation exposure.