Computed Tomography Technologist Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 615

What does attenuation refer to in computed tomography?

The increase in beam intensity after passing through an object

The degree to which the x-ray beam is reduced by an object

Attenuation specifically refers to the reduction in intensity of the x-ray beam as it passes through an object. This phenomenon occurs because different materials have varying densities and atomic compositions, which means that they can absorb or scatter x-rays to differing extents. For instance, dense materials like bone will attenuate x-rays more than soft tissues, leading to a contrast on the image that helps differentiate between various structures within the body. Understanding attenuation is crucial for interpreting CT images, as it influences both image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

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The total energy of the x-ray beam before it exits the machine

The time it takes for the x-ray beam to travel through an object

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