In medicine, the term “absorbed dose” refers to the amount of energy per unit mass of tissue absorbed by the body from a source of radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays. The absorbed dose is typically measured in units of Gray (Gy), which represents the amount of energy absorbed per kilogram of tissue.
Radiation can cause damage to living tissue by ionizing atoms and molecules within the tissue. The absorbed dose is a measure of the amount of ionizing radiation absorbed by the body, and is an important factor in determining the potential health effects of radiation exposure.
The absorbed dose is affected by various factors, including the type and energy of the radiation, the duration and intensity of exposure, and the location and thickness of the tissue being irradiated. Different tissues and organs have different sensitivities to radiation, and the same absorbed dose may have different effects on different parts of the body.
To account for these differences in tissue sensitivity, the concept of “effective dose” is often used in radiation protection. The effective dose takes into account the absorbed dose in each tissue and organ, as well as the relative sensitivity of each tissue to radiation, to estimate the overall risk of radiation-induced health effects.
In medical imaging and radiation therapy, the absorbed dose is an important consideration in determining the appropriate dose of radiation to deliver to the patient. The goal is to deliver a high enough dose to achieve the desired diagnostic or therapeutic effect, while minimizing the risk of harmful side effects.
Overall, the concept of absorbed dose is important in understanding the potential health effects of exposure to ionizing radiation, and in ensuring the safe and effective use of radiation in medical applications.
