Which control adjusts the density or brightness of a radiographic image?

The control that adjusts the density or brightness of a radiographic image is window level. This setting allows the operator to modify the overall brightness of the image, which is crucial for proper visualization and interpretation of the radiographic details. By increasing the window level, the image appears brighter, thus enhancing the visibility of structures that may be otherwise obscured in a darker image. Conversely, lowering the window level results in a darker image.

While other controls like window width adjust the range of grayscale values and contrast, brightness control specifically focuses on overall lightness or darkness of the image, without affecting the contrast ratio between different tissues or structures. Contrast control manages the difference between the darkest and lightest parts of the image but does not directly modify the brightness. Understanding how window level functions is essential for achieving optimal image quality in radiography, as it allows for better diagnostic interpretation outcomes.