Name a common artifact that can appear in radiographic images.

Motion blur caused by patient movement during exposure is a common artifact in radiographic images. This occurs when a patient shifts position or fails to hold still during the x-ray exposure, resulting in a blurred image. Motion blur can obscure anatomical details, making it difficult for radiologists to accurately assess the image.

When capturing radiographs, it is essential to minimize patient movement, as even slight shifts can impact the clarity of the image. Techniques such as using shorter exposure times or instructing patients to remain still can help reduce the risk of this artifact. The clarity of the final image is crucial for accurate diagnosis, and addressing motion blur is a fundamental aspect of radiographic practice.

The other options, while they can affect image quality, do not represent artifacts in the same sense. Grid lines are a product of the imaging plate but are not typically regarded as a common artifact. Overexposure and underexposure result in images that may be too bright or too dark, respectively, but these are not artifacts created during the imaging process; they are primarily issues related to exposure settings rather than distortion of the image caused by factors like motion.