CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which anatomical structure is primarily assessed using the Lateral projection of the cervical spine?

1. Intervertebral foramina

2. Cervical vertebrae alignment

3. Soft tissue structures

4. Spinal cord

The correct answer is: Intervertebral foramina

The lateral projection of the cervical spine is mainly utilized to assess the alignment and positioning of the cervical vertebrae. In this projection, the cervical vertebrae can be visualized in a clear, side-on view, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the vertebral bodies, intervertebral disc spaces, and overall spinal alignment. This technique is critical for identifying issues such as cervical spondylosis, fractures, and other structural abnormalities. While the intervertebral foramina, which are the openings through which spinal nerves exit, may be indirectly assessed in this view, the primary focus is on the alignment of the cervical vertebrae themselves. Other imaging techniques, like the oblique projections, would be better suited for directly visualizing the intervertebral foramina. Additionally, soft tissue structures and the spinal cord are typically evaluated through different imaging approaches or techniques, as they may not be as clearly depicted in lateral projections compared to the bony structures of the cervical spine.