positioning

divides body into right and left segments; passes vertically

divides body into anterior and posterior segments; passes vertically from one side to the other

passes crosswise through body on body part at right angles to longitudinal axis; divides into superior and inferior portions

also called transverse or axial

passes through body part at any angle

body habitus; 50% or average

body habitus; 35% or thin

body habitus; 10%, very long, thin

body habitus; 5% or obese

(also ventral) forward or front part of body or forward part of an organ

(dorsal) back part of body or organ (superior surface of the foot is referred to as dorsal surface)

parts away from the head of the body

toward the head of the body

nearer the head or situated above

nearer the feet or situated below

midarea or main part of an organ

parts at or near the surface, edge, or outside of another body part

toward the median plane of the body or toward the middle of another body part

away from the median plane of the body or away from the middle of another body part to the right or left

parts near the skin or surface

parts far from the surface

parts farthest from the point of attachment, point of reference, origin, or beginning; away from the center of the body

parts nearer the point of attachment, point of reference, origin, or beginning; toward the center of the body

parts outside an organ or on the outside of the body

parts within or on the inside of an organ

the wall or lining of a body cavity

the covering of an organ

a part or parts on the same side of the body

part or parts on the opposite side of the body

palm of the hand

sole of the foot

top or anterior surface of the foot, or to the back or posterior surface of the hand

the path of the central ray as it exits the x-ray tube and goes through the patient to the IR. Most projections are defined by the entrance and exit points in the body and are based on the anatomic position. Regardless of which body position the patient is in (e.g., supine, prone, upright, etc.), if the central ray enters the anterior body surface and exits the posterior body surface, the projection is termed an AP projection.

Projections can also be defined by the relationship formed between the central ray and the body as the central ray passes through the entire body or body part. Examples include the axial and tangential projections

perpendicular central ray enters one side of the body or body part, passes transversely along the coronal plane, and exits the opposite side

central ray enters the anterior body or body part and exits the posterior surface. To achieve this, patient is rotated with the central ray perpendicular to the IR

central ray enters the posterior body or body part and exits the anterior surface

in an axial projection, there is longitudinal angulation of the central ray with the long axis of the body or a specific body part (ie, central ray enters at an angle)

CR is directed toward the outer margin of a curved body surface to profile a body part just under the surface & project it free of imposition (ie, angling along one side)

central ray enters the sella turcica perpendicular to the IOML. The CR enters the midsagittal plane of the throat between the angles of the mandible and passes through a point ¾ inch (1.9 cm) anterior to the level of the EAMs

central ray perpendicular to enter the acanthion and centered to the IR

central ray perpendicular through the midorbits

erect or marked by a vertical position

upright position in which the patient is sitting on a chair or stool

lying on back (or dorsal recumbent)

lying face down (or ventral recumbent)

general term referring to lying down in any position

supine position with the head higher than the feet

supine position with the head tilted downward

recumbent position with the patient lying on the left anterior side (semi-prone) with the left leg extended & the right knee & thigh partially flexed

supine position with the knees & hip flexed & thighs abducted & rotated externally, supported by ankle supports

Right (left) side is closest to IR (patient lies on right [left] side)

Achieved when the entire body or body part is rotated so that the coronal plane is not parallel with the radiographic table or IR. Named according to the side of the patient that is closest to the IR

Position results in an LA Oblique Projection

Position results in a RA Oblique Projection

Position results in an LP Oblique Projection

Position results in an RP Oblique Projection

indicates that the patient is lying down and that the central ray is horizontal and parallel with the floor

Three primary decubitus positions are named according to the body surface on which the patient is lying: lateral decubitus (left or right), dorsal decubitus, and ventral decubitus

Patient lies on right side (IR is behind) (Right lateral decubitus position of the abdomen results in an AP projection) & a horizontal beam is used

Patient lies on left side (IR is behind) (Left lateral decubitus radiographic position of the abdomen results in an AP projection) & a horizontal beam is used

Patient lies on stomach, places right or left side of the body next to the IR, resulting in a right or left lateral projection

Patient lies on back, places right or left side of the body next to the IR, resulting in a right or left lateral projection. (The horizontal central ray provides a lateral projection. This is correctly described as a lateral projection with the patient placed in the dorsal decubitus position. Either side may face the IR, depending on the examination or the patient's condition

Patient leans backward while in the upright body position so that only the shoulders are in contact with the IR. An angulation forms between the CR and the long axis of the upper body, producing an AP axial projection

away from body

towards body

straightening of a join

bending of a joint

excessive straightening

forced over flexion

outward turning of foot @ ankle (duck toed)

inward turning of foot @ ankle (pigeon toed)

rotation of forearm; palm down

rotation of forearm; palm up (AP position)

rotating body part toward its axis (lateral = away from midline; medial = toward midline)

circular movement of a limb

tipping or slanting of a body part slightly

turning away from the regular standard or course