Positioning Terminologies

• Projection - refers to the direction of the central ray which travels through the body.
• View - is used when discussing a radiographic image. “View’ is the exact opposite term of “projection”.
• Position - refers to the specific body position or act of placing the px in the desired position in relation to the film or cassette or even in the table.
• Oblique - px is rotated between lateral and prone or lateral and supine position. It is always at angled at 45 degrees.
• Decubitus - px is in recumbent position and usually implies the used of horizontal plane.
• AP Projection- central ray passes from the anterior to posterior aspect of the body.
• PA Projection- central ray passes from the posterior to the anterior aspect of the body.
• Left lateral projection- CR passes from one side to another. From head, chest and abdomen it is named to the nearest side of the body.
Example: Mediolateral
• PA oblique and projection - a.k.a RAO position.
• Axial Projection- longitudinal central ray angle of 10 degrees more with the long axis of the body or body part.
• Tangential- CR touches the structure at one point skimming it and producing a profile projection. It is opposite of axial.


Directional or Relationship Terminology
1. Anterior or Ventral - front or forward aspect of the body or body part.
2. Posterior or Dorsal - backward part of the body.
3. Medial or Mesial - towards the median plane or middle part of the body. Example: Spine is medial to the kidney.
4. Lateral - refers to the position away to the median plane or middle part of the body. It is the opposite of medial position.
Ex: kidneys are lateral to the spine.
5. Proximal - parts close to the point of origin or attachment.
Ex: elbow is proximal to the wrist.
6. Distal - parts furthest to the point of origin.
Ex: fingers are distal to the wrist.
7. Cephalad - termed as cephalic, cranial or superior.
- Pertaining to or towards the head.
8. Caudal - termed as inferior.
- Away from the head or towards the tail or feet.

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