What is the common effect of increased SID on image quality?

Increased source-to-image distance (SID) is known to enhance image quality primarily by decreasing distortion. As the distance between the x-ray source and the image receptor increases, the geometric distortion of the image is minimized. This occurs because a larger SID reduces the divergence of the x-ray beam, thus producing a more accurate representation of the object being imaged.

When the SID is increased, the x-rays are less likely to be scattered or misaligned when they reach the image receptor, which leads to improved definition and detail in the image. This results in a clearer image with better resolution and less blurring, making it easier to identify anatomical structures and pathologies.

While increased SID can have various other effects on the image, such as decreasing magnification, which might lead some to think about changes in size representation, the most significant common effect directly related to image clarity and accuracy is the reduction of distortion. Hence, decreased distortion stands out as the primary benefit associated with increased SID in imaging practices.