Which term describes tissues that absorb little of the x-ray beam?

The term that describes tissues that absorb little of the x-ray beam is "radiolucent." Radiolucent materials allow x-rays to pass through them more easily, resulting in darker areas on x-ray images. This property is important in dental radiography as it helps identify the presence of cavities, periodontal disease, or other conditions since tissues like soft tissues, air spaces, or certain types of fluid are less dense and absorb fewer x-rays.

In contrast, other terms in the options refer to different properties. For example, "radiopaque" describes tissues that absorb a significant amount of the x-ray beam, resulting in lighter areas on the x-ray image. Fluorescent pertains to materials that emit light when energized and does not directly relate to x-ray absorption. "Translucent" describes materials that allow some light to pass through but does not specifically denote how these materials interact with x-ray beams. Understanding the distinction between these terms is crucial for dental professionals in interpreting radiographs accurately.