What is the term for the total absorption of an x-ray photon by the atom of the body part?

The term for the total absorption of an x-ray photon by an atom of the body part is known as the photoelectric effect. During this process, an x-ray photon is completely absorbed by an electron in an atom, resulting in the ejection of that electron from its orbit. This interaction is significant in radiography as it contributes to the contrast in images, particularly in areas with high atomic number materials like bone, where more x-ray photons are absorbed compared to soft tissues.

In this interaction, the photon energy needs to match or exceed the binding energy of the electron being ejected, which is why it primarily occurs in tissues where there is a higher atomic density. This effect reflects the interaction of x-rays with matter, which is crucial for producing quality diagnostic images.