What is the primary use of the <th> tag in an HTML table?

The tag is specifically designed to define header cells within an HTML table. It stands out from standard data cells by typically displaying text in bold and centered, indicating that the content within this cell serves as a heading for a column or a row. This semantic role is significant for both visual user interfaces and for accessibility tools, such as screen readers, which can interpret header cells to provide context and structure to the data presented in the table. This helps users understand the relationship between data in the table and enhances overall usability.

In contrast, other tags serve different purposes: standard data cells are created with the tag, which does not carry the header designation; rows are constructed with the tag; and images would be integrated using the tag. Thus, the role of is distinct and integral for creating well-structured and accessible data tables.