Which of the following best describes the term "absorbed dose"?

The term "absorbed dose" is best described as the amount of energy deposited by radiation per unit mass of tissue. This definition highlights the key aspect of absorbed dose, which is a measure of how much energy radiation transfers to a specific amount of biological tissue. This concept is vital in assessing potential biological effects from exposure to ionizing radiation, as the damage incurred by tissues is directly related to the amount of energy absorbed.

In practical terms, absorbed dose is measured in grays (Gy), where one gray is equivalent to one joule of energy deposited in one kilogram of tissue. This makes absorbed dose essential for understanding risks and safety protocols in medical imaging and radiation therapy, as it provides insight into the potential biological impact on patients.

The other options do not adequately define "absorbed dose". Total radiation exposure measured in roentgens primarily pertains to the ionization produced in air rather than in tissue. Genetic risk from radiation exposure relates to long-term hereditary effects rather than the immediate energy deposition. The overall safety of a radiological procedure is a broader assessment that encompasses more than just energy deposition in tissue, including factors such as technique and equipment safety, making it less precise in defining absorbed dose.