Panoramic radiographs are coming out of the tabletop processor with a black area about one quarter inch wide along the length of one of the long edges of the film. The assistant wonders if perhaps the thyroid collar on the lead apron was too high and blocked some of the x-ray photons. The radiographer explains that if that were true, there would be___________in that area on the radiographs.

foreshortening

reduced density

increased density

cut-off tooth apices