Where is the grid located within the x-ray setup, and what is its purpose?

The grid is typically located beneath the x-ray table, positioned above the imaging receptor or film. Its primary purpose is to absorb scattered radiation that occurs when x-rays pass through the patient's body. This scatter can create undesirable noise and reduce the clarity and contrast of the resulting image. By effectively absorbing some of this scattered radiation before it reaches the film or digital detector, the grid helps improve image quality, allowing for clearer and more diagnostic images. This correction is crucial in radiography, as it enhances the visibility of the structures being imaged, thus directly contributing to better diagnosis and patient care.