X-Ray Certification Anatomy and Image Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which bony landmark is used to center the beam for an AP projection of the shoulder?
- Coracoid process
- Acromion process
- Glenohumeral joint space (Correct answer)
- Midshaft of the humerus
Correct answer: Glenohumeral joint space
The glenohumeral joint space is the centering point for the AP shoulder projection to best demonstrate the joint.
Question 2: On a lateral chest radiograph, which structure appears as an oval density superimposed over the cardiac shadow?
- Left atrium (Correct answer)
- Right ventricle
- Aortic arch
- Inferior vena cava
Correct answer: Left atrium
The left atrium is the most posterior cardiac chamber and projects as an oval density through the cardiac shadow on a lateral chest film.
Question 3: The medial epicondyle of the humerus is best demonstrated without superimposition on which elbow projection?
- AP projection (Correct answer)
- Lateral projection
- Medial oblique projection
- Axial projection
Correct answer: AP projection
The AP elbow projection places the medial epicondyle in profile, free of superimposition from other structures.
Question 4: Which sinus is located superior to the orbits and is most commonly visualized on a PA Waters projection?
- Ethmoid sinuses
- Sphenoid sinuses
- Frontal sinuses (Correct answer)
- Maxillary sinuses
Correct answer: Frontal sinuses
The frontal sinuses are located superior to the orbital rims and are well demonstrated on the PA Waters view, though the maxillary sinuses are the primary target.
Question 5: On a KUB radiograph, the right kidney typically lies at which vertebral level?
- T10–T11
- L1–L3 (Correct answer)
- L3–L5
- T12–L1
Correct answer: L1–L3
The right kidney normally extends from approximately L1 to L3, sitting slightly lower than the left kidney due to displacement by the liver.
Question 6: The radiolucent joint space seen between the femoral head and the acetabulum on an AP pelvis represents which structure?
- Articular cartilage (Correct answer)
- Joint capsule
- Labrum
- Synovial membrane
Correct answer: Articular cartilage
Articular cartilage is radiolucent and accounts for the apparent joint space between the bony femoral head and acetabulum on an AP pelvis film.
Question 7: Which anatomical structure divides the thorax into right and left pleural cavities on a PA chest radiograph?
- Trachea
- Esophagus
- Mediastinum (Correct answer)
- Diaphragm
Correct answer: Mediastinum
The mediastinum is the central compartment that separates the two pleural cavities and contains the heart, great vessels, trachea, and esophagus.
X-Ray Certification Anatomy and Image Analysis 2
Which bony landmark is used to center the beam for an AP projection of the shoulder?