CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

The ability of a scanner to differentiate small differences in attenuation between closely spaced objects refers to which term?

1. Spatial resolution

2. Temporal resolution

3. Contrast resolution

4. Signal to noise ratio

The correct answer is: Spatial resolution

The ability of a scanner to differentiate small differences in attenuation between closely spaced objects is referred to as contrast resolution. This term describes how effectively a radiographic system can distinguish between varying shades of gray that correspond to different tissue densities. A high contrast resolution means the system can detect even subtle differences in tissue types, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Spatial resolution, on the other hand, relates to the detail present in the image based on how closely objects can be distinguished from one another. While spatial resolution is important for visualizing the sharpness and clarity of the images, the specific capability to differentiate differences in attenuation falls under contrast resolution. Temporal resolution pertains to the ability to capture images over time, which is essential in dynamic imaging scenarios, such as during fluoroscopy or functional imaging, but does not address the issue of attenuation differentiation between closely spaced objects. Signal to noise ratio relates to the quality of the image based on the strength of the desired signal compared to background noise, but again, it does not specifically focus on the differentiation of small attenuation differences. Understanding these terms is crucial for effective image interpretation and the overall quality of radiographic procedures.