X-Ray Certification Anatomy Recognition 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On an AP shoulder radiograph, what angle is formed between the humeral head articular surface and the humeral shaft axis?
- 100–110°
- 120–135° (Correct answer)
- 90–100°
- 145–160°
Correct answer: 120–135°
The normal neck-shaft angle of the humerus is approximately 120–135°, deviation suggests valgus or varus deformity.
Question 2: Which radiographic landmark separates the anterior and posterior mediastinum on a lateral chest X-ray?
- Trachea
- Anterior surface of the heart (Correct answer)
- Hilum
- Carina
Correct answer: Anterior surface of the heart
The anterior surface of the heart (pericardium) is the conventional boundary between anterior and middle mediastinum on a lateral view.
Question 3: Which carpal bone is most commonly fractured and appears radiographically at the radial aspect of the proximal carpal row?
- Lunate
- Triquetrum
- Scaphoid (Correct answer)
- Trapezium
Correct answer: Scaphoid
The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone, located at the radial side of the proximal row.
Question 4: On a lateral lumbar spine radiograph, which normal structure can mimic a lytic lesion in the vertebral body?
- Basivertebral vein channel (Correct answer)
- Schmorl's node
- End plate
- Nucleus pulposus
Correct answer: Basivertebral vein channel
The basivertebral vein channel appears as a vertical lucent cleft in the vertebral body and is a normal vascular groove.
Question 5: On a pediatric AP hip radiograph, Hilgenreiner's line is drawn through which structure?
- Femoral neck
- Triradiate cartilages (Correct answer)
- Greater trochanters
- Iliac crests
Correct answer: Triradiate cartilages
Hilgenreiner's line is a horizontal line drawn through the triradiate (Y) cartilages, used to assess hip development.
Question 6: Which structure is visible as the posterior fat pad sign on a lateral elbow radiograph and indicates joint effusion?
- Olecranon bursa
- Fat in the olecranon fossa (Correct answer)
- Triceps tendon
- Posterior joint capsule
Correct answer: Fat in the olecranon fossa
The posterior fat pad lies in the olecranon fossa and becomes visible (elevated) when joint effusion displaces it posteriorly.
Question 7: On an AP chest radiograph, the carina angle should normally measure less than how many degrees?
- 50°
- 70° (Correct answer)
- 80°
- 45°
Correct answer: 70°
The normal carinal angle is less than 70°; widening suggests left atrial enlargement or a subcarinal mass.
X-Ray Certification Anatomy Recognition 3
On an AP shoulder radiograph, what angle is formed between the humeral head articular surface and the humeral shaft axis?