Final answer:
The two main categories that describe radiographic quality are image resolution, which pertains to the detail and clarity of the image, and contrast, which helps distinguish different structures within the image. CT scans use these principles for detailed imagery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two main categories that describe radiographic quality are image resolution and contrast. Image resolution refers to the sharpness and clarity of the image, which is dictated by the number of pixels in a digital X-ray or the density of the grain in film radiography. It influences the ability to distinguish small or closely positioned structures. Contrast, on the other hand, refers to the difference in optical density that allows different structures in the image to be distinguishable from one another.
Advanced imaging technologies like computed tomography (CT) scans utilize these principles to construct a highly detailed cross-sectional or 3D view of the body by capturing images from multiple angles and using sophisticated computer processing. This advancement in medical imaging technology allows for more thorough and accurate diagnoses compared to a standard two-dimensional X-ray.