Describes the body part as seen by the x ray film or other recording medium, such as a fluoroscopic screen. (Radiograph or image)
Radiographic View
Refers to a specific body position, such as supine (face up), prone (face down), erect (on side), or recumbent.
Radiograph Position
The path of the central ray
Radiographic Projection
lying on one’s back
Supine
lying face downward
Prone
lying on a lateral side with tube in horizontal position.
Decubitus
lie back
Recumbent
facing the film/image receptor
Anterior position
facing the x ray tube
Posterior position
angled towards the film/image receptor
Oblique (Obl) position
right anterior oblique (right angled to film)
RAO View
left posterior oblique (left angled to film)
LPO View
antero-posterior, where central ray enters the anterior side and exits the posterior side
AP Projection
postero-anterior, where central ray enters the posterior side and exits the anterior side.
PA Projection
part of a structure lying nearest midline
Medial
part of a structure lying farthest away from midline
Lateral
towards the head (central ray angled towards the head)
Cephalad
towards the tail end (central ray angled towards the feet)
Caudad
front or palm of the hand
Palmar
sole of the foot
Plantar
part of the structure closest to the origin
Proximal
part farthest away from the origin
Distal
single side view of the body
Lateral
both sides of the body
Bilateral
turning inward
Internal
turning outward
External
act of breathing
Respiration
holding one’s breath (e.g., Chest)
Inspiration
exhaling (e.g., Abdomen)
Expiraton
x rays leaving the tube, forming a cone shaped beam
X-ray beam
area where the x ray beam is directed for imaging
Field of view
imaginary line in the center of x ray beam, perpendicular to the object being imaged.
Central ray (CR)
kilovoltage, peak (maximum amount of energy)
kVp
milliamperage x’s seconds (time)
mAs
synonymous with term x rayed
Imaged
x ray image
Radiographs
act of taking a radiograph (taking an x-ray)
Exposure
holder for radiographic film and screens
Cassette
metal tray holding cassettes, mounted under the tabletop
Bucky
Bucky in an upright position, used mainly for chest x rays
Upright Chest Board
defines a location where to place cassettes
Tabletop (TT)
center line drawn on tabletop or on upright chest board
Midline
source to image receptor distance
SID
object to image receptor distance
OID
area of interest (target, field of view)
AOI
markers made of lead and placed on outside of cassettes to indicate positioning (Rt./Lt.), times, and tech initials
Lead markers
area on the cassette reserved for patient information
I.D. blocker
aluminum, L shaped measuring stick in centimeters
Centimeter stick/Caliper
factors used for the exposure: mA, time, kVp, distance, and focal spot size
Technique
chart that contains exposure factors according to body part (chest), part thickness (cm), and technical factors
Technique chart
selection on control panel to decide on x ray beam’s size
Focal spot (FS)
unwanted marks on a radiograph
Artifacts
40 inches (102 cm) or 72 inches (183 cm)
Standard distances
replaces the term “maximum permissible dose”
Effective dose limits (E)
symbols for cassette placement, length wise or cross wise
LW or CW
