The term used to describe the overall darkness of a radiographic image is______?

The term that describes the overall darkness of a radiographic image is density. In radiography, density refers to the amount of radiation that reaches the film or digital sensor. A higher density means that more radiation has passed through the object and reached the image receptor, resulting in a darker image. Conversely, less radiation results in a lighter image. Understanding density is crucial for radiographic interpretation, as it affects the visibility of anatomical structures and potential pathologies.

The other terms, while related to image quality, do not specifically refer to the darkness of the image itself. Brightness generally pertains to the perceived luminance of the image as seen on a display monitor, contrast refers to the difference in density between various parts of the radiographic image, and opacity relates to the extent to which an object prevents the passage of radiation. Each of these terms plays a role in image quality, but density is the most accurate descriptor of the overall darkness of a radiographic image.