Assignment task: Introduction
The x-ray photons leaving the tube are known as the primary beam. As the beam travels through the patient, some photons absorb into the tissue, some photons scatter in a different direction, and those that do not interact at all are called the transmitted beam. All of these factors are part of the exponential attenuation of the original x-ray beam. The varying amounts of transmission, attenuation, and scatter (differential absorption) create the remnant beam. The remnant beam then becomes an image structurally representing the anatomic area of interest.
The purpose of this assignment is for you to gain an understanding of primary beams, remnant beams, and attenuation factors.
Instructions:
1. Explains the process of beam attenuation and the factors that affect beam attenuation.
2. Discusses the process of differential absorption and exponential attenuation.