What does reticulation refer to in the context of film processing?

Reticulation specifically refers to the cracking of the emulsion layer on a radiographic film, which is often a consequence of abrupt temperature changes during film processing. When there is a significant difference in temperature between the developer solution and the rinse or fix solutions, it can cause stress within the emulsion, leading to a pattern of cracks or "reticulation" on the surface of the film. This phenomenon can adversely affect the quality and clarity of the resulting radiograph, making it less useful for diagnostic purposes. Understanding how reticulation occurs is important for achieving optimal processing conditions and ensuring high-quality imaging results.