What is the primary function of image reconstruction in CT scanning?

The primary function of image reconstruction in CT scanning is to utilize the raw data collected during the scanning process to create a usable image of the scanned anatomy. This process takes the raw measurement data, which consists of signals received from the detectors as X-rays pass through the body, and applies complex algorithms to reconstruct that data into a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) image.

The reconstruction algorithms help transform the attenuation information captured by the detectors into a visual representation that radiologists and clinicians can interpret. This essential step enables practitioners to assess and diagnose looking at the structural details of tissues and organs. Image reconstruction is foundational to the utility of CT imaging, as without this step, the data collected would be meaningless in terms of clinical interpretation.

Other options touch upon important aspects of image quality but do not capture the essence of the reconstruction process itself, which is fundamentally about converting raw data into interpretable images.