What is the primary function of a collimator in radiology?

The primary function of a collimator in radiology is to restrict the size and shape of the x-ray beam. This is crucial for several reasons. First, proper collimation helps to minimize the exposure of surrounding tissues to unnecessary radiation, thereby enhancing patient safety. By limiting the beam to the area of interest, collimators also improve image quality by reducing scatter radiation, which can obscure diagnostic details.

Additionally, collimation aligns the x-ray beam more effectively with the imaging receptor, resulting in sharper images and better-defined structures. By controlling the dimensions of the x-ray beam, collimators ensure that only the necessary area receives radiation, optimizing both the diagnostic effectiveness and the safety of the procedure.