What term is used for cells that are more sensitive to the effects of radiation?

The term used for cells that are more sensitive to the effects of radiation is "radiosensitive cells." This refers to cells that have a higher likelihood of being damaged or affected by radiation exposure. Typically, these cells include those that are rapidly dividing or have a high mitotic rate, such as those found in bone marrow, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract.

Understanding radiosensitivity is crucial in various fields, notably in radiation oncology, where the goal is to damage cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells. Treatments like radiation therapy exploit the higher radiosensitivity of cancer cells compared to normal cells to effectively target and destroy tumors.

In contrast, radioresistant cells are less affected by radiation, and terms like radiopaque and radiolucent refer to how materials appear on radiographic images, indicating their ability to absorb or transmit x-rays rather than their sensitivity to radiation exposure itself.