What is the purpose of the collimation in cervical X-rays?

The purpose of collimation in cervical X-rays is primarily to reduce patient exposure to radiation. Collimation involves adjusting the X-ray beam to restrict its size and shape to the area of interest, which minimizes the amount of radiation that reaches surrounding tissues. This targeted approach not only protects the patient from unnecessary exposure to radiation but also enhances the quality of the image by decreasing scatter radiation that could degrade the image and reduce overall contrast.

By limiting the area irradiated, collimation ensures that the patient receives the minimum essential dose required to obtain diagnostic-quality images, making it an important practice in radiology to optimize safety and minimize risk. While collimation can have additional benefits, such as potentially improving image resolution by reducing scatter and providing more precise images, the crucial aspect is its role in safeguarding the patient's health during the imaging process.