As slice thickness increases, how does spatial resolution change?

As slice thickness increases, spatial resolution decreases due to the increased volume of tissue being sampled in each slice. Spatial resolution refers to the ability to distinguish small structures within the imaging field. Thicker slices capture more of the surrounding anatomy, which leads to a loss of detail and finer structures because they blend together. This is particularly evident in MRI, where thinner slices provide better delineation of tissues and structures, allowing for greater accuracy in diagnosing conditions.

In essence, when slices are thicker, the amount of information per unit area becomes less precise, reducing the ability to differentiate closely spaced anatomical features. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the principle that as the slice thickness increases, the clarity and detail of the image suffer, ultimately leading to a decrease in spatial resolution.