Which component of a computed tomography (CT) system is responsible for measuring and converting transmitted radiation?

The correct answer is the data acquisition system, which plays a crucial role in a CT system by measuring the intensity of the transmitted X-ray radiation after it passes through the body and converting this information into a usable format. This system consists of various components, including the detector array, which initially captures the incoming radiation. Once the detectors capture this data, the data acquisition system processes it to generate the raw data needed for image reconstruction.

The importance of the data acquisition system lies in its ability to accurately convert the detected signals into digital data that can be analyzed and transformed into cross-sectional images of the body. This conversion process is essential for ensuring that the images accurately represent the internal structures being scanned, which is critical for diagnosis and treatment planning.

While the detector array is essential for detecting radiation, it simply captures the data and does not perform the necessary conversion and processing, which is the primary function of the data acquisition system. Other components, such as the computer system and output devices, are involved in processing and displaying images but do not measure or convert the transmitted radiation themselves. Thus, the data acquisition system is the correct choice as it encompasses both the measurement and the initial data processing needed for effective image generation in CT.