Computer assisted tomography scans, also known as CT scans, are medical imaging tests that use X-ray technology and computer processing to create detailed images of the body's internal organs, bones, and tissues. These scans are used to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders. Synonyms for CT scans include computed tomography, CT imaging, and computed axial tomography. Other related terms include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images, and positron emission tomography (PET), which uses radioactive substances to create images of cellular activity.