Which term describes dense structures that appear bright on CT due to high attenuation?

Which term describes dense structures that appear bright on CT due to high attenuation?

• A. Radiolucent
• B. Radiopaque
• C. Hypoattenuation
• D. Hyperattenuation

Answer: (B)

On CT, brightness reflects higher X-ray attenuation. Dense structures such as bone or calcifications attenuate X-rays a lot, so they appear bright white. The term for materials with high attenuation is radiopaque. Radiolucent describes low attenuation and appears dark, hypoattenuation means reduced attenuation relative to surrounding tissue, and hyperattenuation denotes regions with unusually high attenuation (often after contrast). Radiopaque is the correct descriptor for bright, highly attenuating structures.

On CT, brightness reflects higher X-ray attenuation. Dense structures such as bone or calcifications attenuate X-rays a lot, so they appear bright white. The term for materials with high attenuation is radiopaque. Radiolucent describes low attenuation and appears dark, hypoattenuation means reduced attenuation relative to surrounding tissue, and hyperattenuation denotes regions with unusually high attenuation (often after contrast). Radiopaque is the correct descriptor for bright, highly attenuating structures.