What does "CAT scan" stand for?

A "CAT scan" is a mix of cross-sectional images of a person's bones and soft tissues, according to Mayo Clinic. KidsHealth points out that "CAT scan" is a common name for what is actually a CT, or computerized tomography, scan.

A CT combines multiple X-ray views to offer a medical provider a more thorough look at the inside of a person's body. This particular test is used to assess the severity of internal injuries after someone is in an accident or suffers trauma, reports Mayo Clinic. Doctors use CT scans to investigate ailments, such as muscle and bone disorders; diseases, such as cancer and heart disease; internal injuries; and tumors.