What is the main function of mammography grids?

Mammography grids are designed primarily to enhance image contrast by reducing scatter radiation. When X-rays are passed through the breast tissue, some of them may scatter as they interact with different tissues. This scattered radiation can lead to a decrease in image quality, making it harder to identify important details such as lesions or microcalcifications.

The function of the grid is to allow only the primary X-ray beams that travel in a straight line to reach the imaging receptor while absorbing the scattered rays that would otherwise degrade the image contrast. By doing this, the grid improves the clarity and sharpness of the mammogram, allowing for better visualization of breast structures.

While other options mention important aspects of mammography, such as patient radiation exposure and image size, they do not capture the primary role of grids, which is fundamentally about enhancing image quality through scatter radiation reduction. Grids do not decrease patient exposure; in fact, they can require an increase in radiation dose to compensate for the absorbed scatter. They also do not change the physical size of the image or provide structural support to the breast.