X-ray machine in the radiology department of a hospital. This machine has a bed that can tilt and swivel. The box above the bed emits X-rays onto a patient lying on the bed. The X-rays pass through the patient and cast an image onto film positioned beneath the bed. X-rays are electromagnetic rays that can penetrate soft tissues, but are absorbed by bones or opaque contrast media, and can therefore be used to diagnose internal injuries and disorders.