When assessing a radiograph, what does "proper contrast" refer to?

Proper contrast in a radiograph refers to the range of shades that extend from black to white. This range is crucial for accurately differentiating between various tissues and structures within the image. High contrast allows for better visualization of details, essential for diagnostic purposes, as it shows clear distinctions between areas of varying densities.

In radiography, achieving the right level of contrast is essential; too few shades may result in a flat image where details are hard to distinguish, while too many shades can lead to a loss of important information.

While brightness is important for the overall visibility of the image, and reducing unnecessary shadows aids in clarity, these aspects do not specifically define contrast. Additionally, the presence of color-enhanced features applies more to specific imaging techniques rather than the fundamental characteristics understood in traditional radiography. Hence, the range of shades from black to white is the primary focus when discussing proper contrast.