Why is compression applied to a specimen during imaging?

Compression is applied to a specimen during imaging primarily to reduce tissue thickness. By compressing the breast tissue, the overall thickness is minimized, allowing for a clearer and more accurate image. This reduction in thickness helps to spread out any overlapping structures, thereby improving the visibility of potential abnormalities.

In addition to enhancing image clarity, compression also helps in dispersing tissue density, which is crucial in detecting lesions or tumors that may be obscured in thicker tissue. The process can also help minimize motion blur, ensuring that the images captured are sharp and well-defined, which is essential for accurate diagnosis.

While the other options may seem relevant in different contexts, they do not directly address the primary purpose of compression in imaging. For instance, while stabilization of the specimen might be a benefit of compression, the core reason remains the reduction of tissue thickness, which addresses the fundamental imaging needs in mammography.