Imaging: resolution: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Radiology · Imaging: resolution

Sample item

Which modality has the best spatial resolution for visualising fine bone detail such as a temporal bone fracture?

AUltrasoundBHigh-resolution CTCPETDConventional MRI

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. High-resolution CT

CT with thin sections and a bone algorithm has excellent spatial resolution for cortical bone and the temporal bone architecture. MRI has better soft tissue contrast but cortical bone gives no signal. PET and ultrasound have lower anatomical resolution for deep bone.

Option by option

A. Ultrasound
Ultrasound cannot penetrate bone.
B. High-resolution CT (correct)
Correct. HRCT best shows fine bone detail.
C. PET
PET has low anatomical resolution.
D. Conventional MRI
MRI shows cortical bone as signal void.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, High-resolution CT. CT with thin sections and a bone algorithm has excellent spatial resolution for cortical bone and the temporal bone architecture.

Why is "Ultrasound" not the answer?

Ultrasound cannot penetrate bone.

Why is "PET" not the answer?

PET has low anatomical resolution.

Why is "Conventional MRI" not the answer?

MRI shows cortical bone as signal void.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Imaging: resolution in Radiology. MRI has better soft tissue contrast but cortical bone gives no signal. PET and ultrasound have lower anatomical resolution for deep bone.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Imaging: resolution?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.