Final answer:
On a CT image of the brain, a cupping artifact appears brighter immediately around dense structures due to differences in tissue density that cause uneven radiation absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
On a CT image of the brain, a cupping artifact would appear brighter immediately around dense structures. Cupping artifacts occur due to uneven radiation absorption in different parts of the brain, particularly where there is a significant difference in tissue density. This leads to an artifact that makes it appear as if there is increased brightness or a halo around dense objects, such as areas of calcification or metal implants.