A Computer Tomography scan (CT or CAT for short), is an
X-Ray test
that produce
cross sectional
images of the
body parts scanned. These
cross sections allow
radiologists to inspect the inside of the body, just like one could inspect the insides of a bread by slicing it.
CT scans are more often used to evaluate the condition of the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis and sinuses.
When scanning the abdomen or pelvis regions, the patient is required
to drink a dilute barium liquid, which works as a contrast agent
to help the radiologist to identify the gastrointestinal tract, and detect
abnormalities with the organs.
Using modern technology, the cross sections produced by a CT scan
can also be fed to a volumetric renderer, that generates a 3D model of the area scanned, in which the examiner can move freely around.