Fatty tissue in the breast is generally described as what and appears how on a mammogram?

Fatty tissue in the breast is generally described as radiolucent. This means that it allows more X-ray photons to pass through compared to denser structures within the breast, such as glandular tissue. On a mammogram, fatty tissues appear darker or less white because they absorb fewer X-rays, creating a contrast with surrounding denser areas that appear lighter.

Glandular tissue, which is denser, would show up more prominently on the mammogram, appearing white or opaque due to its greater attenuation of X-rays. Therefore, the characteristic of fatty tissue being radiolucent aligns with its appearance on a mammogram, making it crucial for interpreting mammographic images effectively. This understanding allows radiologists to identify and differentiate between various breast tissues when analyzing mammograms.