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All questions on Physics

The Application of Physics in Medicine


Why is Physics Necessary in Medicine?

Ever wonder why physics is important in the field of medicine? Well, there are numerous reasons why it is very vital to this field. In fact, this is a deceptively simple question because Physics is present in everything, from the workings of accurate medical scales, to the imaging equipment like X-rays, MRI, ultrasound….. this is why it is actually pretty hard to give a simple answer because there is so much of Physics in Medicine it’s hard to know where to start! A simple answer is that physics is useful across many aspects of medicine both in treatment but especially in diagnostic medicine, such as X-Rays, CT, Ultrasound etc. One reason why a knowledge of physics is important for medicine is “medical physics”, Medical physics is a branch of applied physics concerning the application of physics to medicine. It generally concerns physics as applied to medical imaging and radiotherapy.  Medical imaging refers to the techniques and processes used to create images of the human body (or parts thereof) for clinical purposes (medical procedures seeking to reveal, diagnose or examine disease) or medical science (including the study of normal anatomy and function. Under this are the following: An MRI scan diagnostic radiology, including x-rays, fluoroscopy, mammography, Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, angiography, and Computed tomography ultrasound. One of the most important factors you ought to consider is the fact that the study of modern medicine is complemented with technology. Your knowledge of Physics can be useful to understand the underlying science behind these technologies, what makes them work and the applications. You see physics is a great help in the field of medicine without it, we are not able to enjoy what we are enjoying today in terms of treating our diseases.

Answers
Physics is useful across many aspects of medicine both in treatment but especially in diagnostic medicine, such as X-Rays, CT, Ultrasound etc.
kugan
23 September 2013
That's a deceptively simple question: Physics is in everything, from the workings of accurate medical scales, to the imaging equipment like X-rays, MRI, ultrasound..... it's actually hard to give a simple answer, because there is so much of Physics in Medicine it's hard to know where to start! 
dr.j
02 October 2013
Because everything will depend on physics.For most it is the important bit that depends on physics.
shub91
10 January 2014
It is important for the general understanding of some subjects (such as understanding blood viscosity and electrical signalling of nerves and their insulation) as well as previously mentioned X-Ray and MRI etc.    If you feel like you haven't completely mastered physics yet and are about to enter medicine, don't worry. Generally you will only need a relatively basic knowledge and you will learn the other relevant physics as you go along :)
Usman O.
24 March 2014
There are many reasons. One of the most important factors you ought to consider is the fact that study of modern medicine is complemented with technology. Your knowledge of Physics can be useful to understand the underlying science behind these technology, what makes them work and the applications.
pearls
25 March 2014
Ever wonder why physics is important in the field of medicine? Well, there are numerous reasons why it is very vital to this field. One reason is “medical physics”, it is one of the branches of physics.Medical physics is a branch of applied physics concerning the application of physics to medicine. It generally concerns physics as applied to medical imaging and radiotherapy.  Medical imaging refers to the techniques and processes used to create images of the human body (or parts thereof) for clinical purposes (medical procedures seeking to reveal,diagnose or examine disease) or medical science (including the study of normal anatomy and function. Under this are the following:An MRI scanDiagnostic radiology, including x-rays, fluoroscopy, mammography, Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, angiography and Computed tomographyUltrasound, including intravascular ultrasoundNon-ionising radiation (Lasers, Ultraviolet etc.)Nuclear medicine, including SPECT and positron emission tomography (PET)Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and other methods for functional neuroimaging of the brain.For example, nuclear magnetic resonance (often referred to as magnetic resonance imaging to avoid the common concerns about radiation), uses the phenomenon of nuclear resonance to image the human body.MagnetoencephalographyElectrical impedance tomographyDiffuse optical imagingOptical coherence tomographyThrough Physics the treatment of diseases has been possible, such processes as:DefibrillationHigh intensity focussed ultrasound, including lithotripsyInterventional radiologyNon-ionising radiation Lasers, Ultraviolet etc. including photodynamic therapyand LASIKNuclear medicine, including unsealed source radiotherapyPhotomedicine, the use of light to treat and diagnose diseaseRadiotherapySealed source radiotherapyTerahertz radiationThrough physics we are also able to understand the part of the body especially the brain.ECG traceUsed to monitor and measure various physiological parameters. Many physiological measurement techniques are non-invasive and can be used in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, other invasive methods.ElectrocardiographyElectromyographyElectroencephalographyElectronystagmographyEndoscopyMedical ultrasonographyNon-ionising radiation (Lasers, Ultraviolet etc.)Near infrared spectroscopyPulse oximetryBlood gas monitorBlood pressure measurementYou see physics is a great help in the field of medicine without it, we are not able to enjoy what we are enjoying today in terms of treating our diseases.
samstutoring
28 January 2015
What are the relevant of physics to medical laboratory
Maryam Jamilu Ahmad
08 May 2021
Physics is everywhere
Ronil
21 August 2021
Physics is extremely important under medicine and it's vivid that it is everywhere.
Afolabi Solomon
12 November 2021
Importance of physics to medicine
Jemima
16 November 2021
5yhm
Tyu
03 August 2023
what is the main reason physics is so important when studying medicine i really cant find a well explained answer
olivia
08 August 2023
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