Final answer:
Scatter radiation exits the body in various directions after medical imaging and can affect image quality and safety. It's essential to use protective measures like lead shielding to minimize exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The radiation that exits the body in all directions and causes unwanted exposure on the image receptor (IR), as well as anyone who is in the room, is called scatter radiation. It consists of secondary photons that have been deflected from their original path after interacting with matter, such as the patient's body tissues. This type of radiation is a concern in medical imaging because it can degrade image quality and pose a health risk to both the patient and medical staff. Effective radiation protection measures, such as lead shielding, can help minimize exposure to scatter radiation.