The x-ray tube is comprised of which two main components?

The x-ray tube is primarily composed of two critical components: the anode and the cathode. The cathode is responsible for producing electrons through a heated filament, while the anode serves as the target for these electrons, facilitating the production of x-rays when they collide with the anode material. This interaction generates the radiation necessary for imaging.

Understanding the roles of these components is essential in radiology, as their proper functioning is crucial for effective x-ray production. Options like grid and film, tube and generator, or lens and mirror do not represent the core structure of an x-ray tube, as they pertain to other elements of the imaging process or the overall radiographic setup, rather than the tube assembly itself.