A computed tomography (CT) scan is a quick and painless test that uses x-rays to create detailed pictures of structures inside the body. Katie Chappell, a CT specialist, helps explain the intricacies of this procedure while walking us through the scanning process from start to finish. | Parkview Health

3D model of the human chest, made from a series of CT scans. Computed tomography scanning uses X-rays to build up slice images through the body. These slices can be combined into a 3D model, as here, allowing investigation of internal structures, and the diagnosis of conditions such as cancer. This scan series starts at the top of the chest, with the lower neck vertebrae (yellow) visible at centre, before moving down, revealing the aorta (pink), ribs (yellow) and lungs (purple with pink branchin