(CT or CAT scan) Computed tomography is a diagnostic imaging technique, previously also known as computerized axial tomography (CAT), computer-assisted tomography (CAT), computerized tomographic imaging, and reconstructive tomography (RT).
A CT scan is based on the measurement of the amount of energy that a tissue absorbs as a beam of radiation passes through it from a source to a detector. As the patient table moves through the CT scanner, the CT tube rotates within the circular opening and the set of x-ray detectors rotate in synchrony. The narrow, fan-shaped x-ray beam has widths ranging from 1 to 20 mm. The large number of accurate measurements with precisely controlled geometry is transformed by mathematical procedures to image data. Corresponding to CT slices of a certain thickness, a series of two-dimensional cross-sectional images is created.
A CT is acquired in the axial plane, while coronal and sagittal images can be rendered by computer reconstruction. Although a conventional radiography provides higher resolution for bone x-rays, CT can generate much more detailed images of the soft tissues. Contrast agents are often used for enhanced delineation of anatomy and allow additional 3D reconstructions of arteries and veins.
CT scans use a relatively high amount of ionizing radiation compared to conventional x-ray imaging procedures. Due to widespread use of CT imaging in medicine, the exposure to radiation from CT scans is an important issue. To put this into perspective, the FDA considers the risk of absorbed x-rays from CT scans to be very small. Even so, the FDA recommends avoiding unnecessary exposure to radiation during diagnostic imaging procedures, especially for children.
CT is also used in other than medical fields, such as nondestructive testing of materials including rock, bone, ceramic, metal and soft tissue.

See also Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography.

A computed tomography (CT) scanner is used to create cross-sectional slices of different objects. The medical version of CT system scans the human body for tumors or other abnormalities, other versions are used for non-destructive testing in the industry.
The CT imaging system includes the moveable gantry and patient table or couch. The gantry is a frame that contains the x-ray source, collimators, filters, detectors, a data acquisition system (DAS), rotational components including slip ring systems and all associated electronics. The x-ray tube and detector system are mounted opposite each other, allowing a rapid and synchronous rotation around the patient table.
In older CT scanners a small generator supplied power to the x-ray tube and the rotational components via cables for operation. Up to the 4th generation the CT tube and detectors rotate together around the patient for each slice. CT systems with slip ring technology (the x-ray tube rotates around a stationary ring of detectors) operate without cables and provides continuous rotation of the gantry components without interference of cables. Spiral CT scanners work with a continuous table movement while the x-ray tube is rotating around the patient.

Overview about CT scanner generations:
See also Contrast Media Injector, Dual-Head CT Power Injector, Syringeless CT Power Injector.