The craniocaudal view is routinely used for mammography. The vertical x-ray beam is directed from cranial to caudal through the breast.

Densitometry is a method to image the density of for example, the bones to measure the mineral content or lung tissue to quantify emphysema.
Densitometry is also used to control the optical density of x-ray films by shining light on the film and measuring the transmission with a densitometer.

See also Bone Densitometry and Osteo CT.

The highest amount of detail that can be shown in an image. Defined by the size of the smallest object that can be conveniently viewed, which for nanofocus and microfocus x-ray tubes is about half the size of the focal spot.

A developing agent is a chemical, usually phenidone, hydroquinone or metole, which reduces exposed silver ions to atomic silver to visualize an image on a film.

See also X-Ray Film, Film Processor, Activator, Clearing Agent, Developer and Fixer.

(DRL) The diagnostic reference level is a patient dose-related quantity per x-ray procedure or image. The diagnostic reference level is essentially a guide and the first step in the management of patient doses. Dose descriptors can also be used to compare local doses to national reference doses and reviews of local practice if consistently exceeded.