CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which line should be kept parallel to the gantry for a head CT scan?

1. Optic-Occipital Line

2. Acanthomeatal Line

3. Orbitomeatal Line (OML)

4. Infraorbitomeatal Line

The correct answer is: Orbitomeatal Line (OML)

For a head CT scan, the Orbitomeatal Line (OML) is the line that should be kept parallel to the gantry. This positioning is crucial because the OML is an important anatomical reference that helps to standardize the positioning of the patient and the alignment of the scan plane in relation to the skull. Proper alignment of the OML ensures that the images obtained during the CT scan accurately represent the anatomical structures of interest, minimizing distortion and enhancing image quality. When the OML is parallel to the gantry, it aids radiologists in achieving consistent positioning for various views of the cranial structures, which is essential for accurate diagnosis. This alignment helps to ensure that critical structures such as the orbits, sinuses, and cranial cavity are correctly displayed in relation to one another in the acquired images, facilitating better interpretation. Understanding the importance of proper alignment within radiographic procedures, particularly in CT imaging, emphasizes the need for precise positioning using anatomical landmarks like the OML.