What is the central-ray direction needed to produce the image below?

A) Perpendicular
B) 3 to 5 degrees cephalad
C) 5 to 7 degrees cephalad
D) Central-ray angle depends upon patient size

Question

What is the central-ray direction needed to produce the image below?

A) Perpendicular 
B) 3 to 5 degrees cephalad 
C) 5 to 7 degrees cephalad 
D) Central-ray angle depends upon patient size

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The central-ray direction needed to produce the image below is 5 to 7 degrees cephalad. The image shows the occipital bone and the upper cervical vertebrae, which requires a slight angulation to visualize properly. It is not necessary to be perpendicular or to adjust the angle based on patient size. Only a slight cephalad angulation is needed.

What Is the Central-Ray Direction Needed to Produce the Image