X-ray attenuation in tissues

X-ray attenuation in tissues refers to the weakening of an x-ray beam as it passes through biological materials, primarily due to absorption and scattering processes[5][3][1][2]. The degree of attenuation is determined by factors such as the tissue’s density, thickness, and atomic number. Denser and higher atomic number tissues (like bone) attenuate x-rays more strongly than less dense tissues (like fat)[2][3][5]. X-ray attenuation is a fundamental principle enabling image contrast in radiography and computed tomography (CT), allowing differentiation between various tissues[1][2]. It is typically quantified by the attenuation coefficient and is not a molecular, cellular, or druggable target, but a macroscopic physical property used in imaging diagnostics[5][2]. \n\nThis term is not a biological target such as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or gene product, and thus does not have associated pharmacology, biomarkers, or safety concerns[2][5].

Other names

X-ray attenuationTissue X-ray attenuationTissue radiodensityX-ray absorption in tissue