What is the primary function of a collimator in an X-ray unit?

The primary function of a collimator in an X-ray unit is to limit the size of the X-ray beam and reduce patient exposure. By narrowing the beam to only the area of interest, the collimator minimizes the volume of tissue being irradiated, which helps decrease the overall radiation dose the patient receives during the imaging procedure. This is crucial for both patient safety and the quality of the diagnostic image, as it helps to avoid unnecessary exposure to surrounding tissues, which could lead to increased risks of radiation-related effects.

In the context of X-ray imaging, effective collimation also contributes to image quality by reducing scatter radiation, which can distort the resulting images. This precision in beam size is essential for ensuring that only the intended area is imaged, thus providing clearer and more diagnostic results.