In CT terms, what does the term 'artifact' refer to?

In the context of computed tomography, the term 'artifact' specifically refers to unwanted features that appear in an image, which can obscure or misrepresent the anatomy being examined. Artifacts can arise from various sources such as patient motion, equipment malfunction, or limitations in the imaging technique. They disrupt the quality of the image and can lead to misdiagnosis or a need for repeat imaging, making it crucial for radiologists and technologists to understand and identify these artifacts when evaluating CT scans.

The other choices do not accurately describe artifacts. Improved image texture refers to enhanced resolution or clarity, which is desirable in imaging. Higher radiation exposure is related to the dose given to the patient during the scan, which is a separate issue from image quality. Enhanced contrast detail pertains to the differentiation between different types of tissues within the image, which is also a desirable quality rather than an unwanted feature.