Photons that add information but do not represent the anatomic structures are considered what type of radiation?

Photons that contribute information to the image but do not correspond to actual anatomical structures are classified as scatter radiation. This type of radiation occurs when the primary beam of X-rays interacts with matter—in this case, the patient's body—and is deflected in various directions. While scatter radiation can provide useful information, it often does not represent specific anatomical features, which can decrease image clarity and quality.

Understanding scatter radiation is essential in digital radiography since it can lead to image noise and reduce the overall diagnostic accuracy of the images produced. Techniques such as collimation and the use of grids can help mitigate the effects of scatter radiation, ensuring that the images obtained are representative of the anatomical structures of interest.