How does increasing the kilovolt peak (kVp) affect X-ray image quality?

Increasing the kilovolt peak (kVp) enhances the energy of the X-rays produced during imaging. Higher kVp results in X-rays that possess greater penetrating ability, meaning they can effectively pass through denser tissues in the body. This is crucial for producing diagnostic-quality images, as it allows for better visualization of various structures within the body.

Additionally, increasing kVp can also influence the contrast in the images. Higher energy X-rays promote a wider range of photon energies that can interact with tissues differently, which helps in differentiating between various structures based on their densities. This enhanced contrast is pivotal in aiding radiologists to identify abnormalities or pathologies.

In simpler terms, adjusting the kVp affects the overall quality of the X-ray image by ensuring that X-rays can penetrate tissues adequately while maintaining the necessary contrast for clear diagnostics.