What is the term for the combined thickness of all sections acquired simultaneously in MSCT?

The correct terminology for the combined thickness of all sections acquired simultaneously in multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) is referred to as "total collimation." In MSCT, multiple detector rows allow for the simultaneous acquisition of several slices of data. The total collimation is essentially the effective width that these multiple detector elements cover during the scan. It determines how thin or thick the slices produced will be, directly influencing spatial resolution and image quality.

By controlling the total collimation, technologists can optimize the balance between image detail and radiation dose. This is particularly important in complex imaging scenarios where a detailed view of the anatomy is necessary, such as in oncology or vascular imaging. The total collimation plays a critical role in how the imaging system captures and reconstructs data, ensuring that high-quality images are produced for accurate diagnostics.