In CT imaging, what does a higher Hounsfield unit typically indicate?

A higher Hounsfield unit indicates denser tissue. The Hounsfield scale is used in computed tomography to quantify radiodensity, which is crucial for interpreting CT images.

In this context, denser tissues such as bone or metallic structures absorb more X-rays compared to less dense substances like water or air. As a result, these denser tissues are assigned higher Hounsfield unit values. Water, which has a Hounsfield unit of 0, serves as a reference point for the scale, where values above zero indicate denser tissues. This characteristic allows radiologists to differentiate between various types of tissues based on how much X-ray attenuation they produce.

Understanding this principle is vital, as it aids in diagnosing conditions and assessing the composition of different structures within the body during a CT scan.