X-Rays and the Skull: Penetration Physics and Medical Imaging

X-rays can penetrate the skull, but penetration depth depends on photon energy. The dense bone absorbs lower-energy X-rays, while higher-energy medical X-rays pass through to image brain structures.

During skull/brain imaging, appropriate energy levels are selected to ensure diagnostic quality while minimizing radiation dose. Metal objects (dental fillings, implants) can cause artifacts; patients are often asked to remove them before head X-rays.