Attenuation

Attenuation refers to reduction in the intensity or strength of a signal, sound wave, or electromagnetic wave as it travels through a medium. In medical imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound, attenuation refers to the loss of energy of the wave as it passes through different tissues in the body. It is a critical concept in radiology and other imaging techniques because it affects the quality and contrast of the images produced, helping to distinguish different structures within the body.