CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which of the following factors has the most significant impact on the resolution of a digital image?

1. Larger image matrix

2. Reducing pixel pitch

3. Increasing pixel size

4. Enhancing display brightness

The correct answer is: Larger image matrix

The factor that has the most significant impact on the resolution of a digital image is a larger image matrix. An image matrix consists of a grid of pixels that collectively compose the digital image. When the matrix size is increased, there are more pixels available to represent the image, allowing for more detail to be captured and displayed. This inherently enhances the granularity and sharpness of the image, which is essential for accurate diagnosis in radiography. Increasing the number of pixels enables the visualization of finer structures and subtle differences within the tissue, which can be crucial for detecting pathologies. The resolution of the image is directly proportional to the number of pixels that can be used to create that image; thus, a larger image matrix contributes significantly to improved resolution. The other options, while they may also influence aspects of image quality, do not have as profound an effect on resolution. Reducing pixel pitch refers to decreasing the space between pixels, which can improve detail, but it’s the overall total number of pixels (from a larger matrix) that primarily determines resolution. Increasing pixel size would actually decrease resolution because each pixel would cover more area, leading to a loss of detail. Enhancing display brightness improves the visibility of the image but does not convey additional resolution.