What is the purpose of collimation in radiography?

Collimation in radiography serves a crucial purpose by reducing patient exposure to unnecessary radiation while also defining the area being imaged. When the x-ray beam is collimated, it is restricted to a specific size and shape that matches the area of interest. This refinement helps to minimize the amount of scattered radiation, which not only protects the patient but also improves the overall quality of the image by reducing noise and enhancing contrast. By selectively defining the beam's range of focus, collimation ensures that only the relevant anatomical structures are captured, leading to more accurate diagnoses and assessments.