Which of the following best describes the purpose of collimation?

The purpose of collimation is to limit the size of the radiation field. This is an essential practice in radiography as it helps to restrict the area being exposed to radiation, thereby minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure to surrounding tissues and organs. By focusing the beam on the specific area of interest, collimation not only protects patient safety but also enhances the quality of the diagnostic images by reducing scatter radiation, which can degrade image quality.

This practice is crucial in ensuring that the patient receives only the necessary dose for the examination, which aligns with the principles of radiation safety and the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) concept. Reducing unnecessary exposure is particularly important in medical imaging, where safeguarding patient health is a priority.