American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Test with engaging quizzes and detailed explanations. Boost your test readiness with multiple-choice questions designed to enhance your knowledge and confidence.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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When are the petrous ridges located below the orbits?

Caldwell at 30 degrees caudad
Waters view
AP view
Axial view

The correct answer is: Caldwell at 30 degrees caudad

The correct choice focuses on the specific positioning involved in the Caldwell projection. In the Caldwell view, the patient is positioned such that the OML (orbitomeatal line) is angled 30 degrees caudad to the film or detector. This positioning effectively places the petrous ridges below the orbits, allowing for optimal visualization of the frontal sinuses and the orbits themselves. When the OML is angled appropriately, the petrous ridges, which are prominent structures of the temporal bone, project into the lower third of the orbits on the radiographic image, making it easier to evaluate the areas of interest. This positioning is crucial for diagnostic imaging as it maximizes the clarity of the structures viewed and minimizes superimposition. In contrast, other projections such as the Waters view or the AP view are designed for different anatomical views, and the axial view, while useful, does not specifically result in the petrous ridges being positioned below the orbits. Thus, the specific angling technique used in the Caldwell projection is what contributes to the correct positioning of the petrous ridges.