What does 'mA' measure in radiography?

The designation 'mA' stands for milliampere and is a measure of the electrical current used in radiography. It specifically quantifies the number of electrons that flow through the x-ray tube per second. A higher mA setting increases the quantity of x-rays produced, which results in a greater radiation dose and, consequently, a denser image on film or a digital detector.

Understanding this measurement is crucial because it directly influences image density and contrast. If too few x-rays are produced (low mA), the resulting image may be too light or underexposed, making it difficult to discern important anatomical details. Conversely, an excessively high mA can lead to overexposure, resulting in loss of detail and diagnostic quality.

While the other options relate to different aspects of radiography, they do not accurately capture what mA specifically measures. For instance, the intensity of radiation often refers to a combination of factors including both quantity and quality, while the quality of radiation pertains to the penetrating power of the x-rays. The speed of radiation is not a standard measurement used in radiography, as radiation travels at the speed of light and is not influenced by the mA setting. Thus, the emphasis on 'quantity' aligns perfectly with the