What is the opening through which x-rays exit the x-ray tube called?

The opening through which x-rays exit the x-ray tube is referred to as the port. This component is designed to allow the x-rays generated inside the tube to pass through while maintaining the structural integrity of the x-ray assembly. The port is an essential part of the x-ray tube, as it facilitates the directed emission of x-rays toward the patient or imaging receptor, thus enabling the necessary imaging procedure to take place.

In contrast, other terms such as inlet typically refer to the entrance points where materials or substances enter a system, which does not apply to the context of x-ray emission. The focal spot is a specific area on the anode where the electron beam interacts to produce x-rays, but it does not serve as an exit point. Beam limiting devices, like collimators, help shape and restrict the x-ray beam to a particular area, improving image quality and reducing patient exposure, yet they do not themselves function as an exit point for the x-rays. Therefore, the port is specifically designated for x-ray exit.