What is the purpose of a collimator in radiography?

The role of a collimator in radiography is primarily to limit the area exposed to radiation. This device is designed to restrict the beam of radiation only to the region of interest, which minimizes unnecessary exposure to surrounding tissues and improves patient safety. By controlling the beam's dimensions, the collimator helps focus the radiation on the specific area being examined, which is crucial for both effective imaging and radiation protection.

In addition to patient safety, collimation can enhance the clarity and quality of the radiographic image by reducing scatter radiation, which can cause fogging and reduce contrast. Proper use of a collimator ensures that only the necessary anatomical structures are included in the image, leading to clearer diagnostic information. Thus, its primary function is to manage exposure effectively, which is critical in any radiographic procedure.