The primary purpose of collimation is to:

The primary purpose of collimation is indeed to reduce scatter radiation. Collimation involves restricting the size of the x-ray beam to the area of interest, which helps to limit the exposure to surrounding tissues and reduces the amount of scatter radiation that can occur during the imaging process. This not only protects the patient by minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure but also enhances the quality of the diagnostic image, as scatter can degrade image contrast and detail.

Understanding collimation as a tool for reducing scatter radiation highlights its importance in maintaining the integrity of the diagnostic process while prioritizing patient safety. The practice of collimation ultimately contributes to a clearer image by allowing the x-ray photons to interact more directly with the target area, leading to more accurate imaging results.