In digital imaging, what are voxels?

In digital imaging, the concept of a voxel refers to a three-dimensional unit of measurement that represents a value on a grid in three-dimensional space. This term originates from "volume" and "pixel," indicating that a voxel contains information about a specific volume element in three dimensions. In the context of CT scans and other volumetric imaging techniques, voxels are critical in constructing 3D representations of scanned objects. Each voxel is associated with a value that may represent various attributes like density or intensity, contributing to the overall image formation from the stacked slices of data collected during imaging.

This understanding of voxels is fundamental, especially in advanced imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other volumetric imaging methods, where accurate representation of three-dimensional structures is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning.