On a conventional chest radiograph, which normal anatomical structure is the most radiodense (appears whitest)?
- A Cardiac silhouette (blood in chambers)
- B Lung parenchyma
- C Cortical bone of the ribs ✓
- D Adipose tissue of the breast
Correct answer: C. Cortical bone of the ribs
Explanation
Cortical bone has the highest effective atomic number and density among the listed soft-tissue and bony structures, producing the greatest photoelectric attenuation. It appears whitest on a radiograph. Lung parenchyma, containing air, is the most radiolucent (darkest).
Reference: Bushberg, The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, 3rd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.