Radiography Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from syllabus, PACO/POCO workflow, imaging factors, planes, patient positions, projections, and general radiography concepts.

PACO/POCO form

A two-part imaging workflow: (1) prepare the patient and adjust imaging factors; (2) position the patient, shield, align, collimate, and obtain the image receptor; forms are used in lab/class preparation.

mAs (milliampere-seconds)

Quantity of photons produced; product of milliampere (mA) and exposure time (s); determines image exposure.

kVp (kilovolt peak)

Controls the energy and penetrating power of the X-ray beam; affects beam quality and image contrast.

Small focal spot

A smaller focal spot size yields higher spatial resolution, especially for extremities.

Large focal spot

A larger focal spot size allows higher heat capacity and is used for larger areas, though with slightly reduced sharpness.

Image receptor

The device that captures the radiographic image; modern systems are DR or CR (cassette-based) depending on technology.

CR (Computed Radiography)

Phosphor-based cassette system read to digital; requires a reader to produce the image.

DR (Digital Radiography)

Direct digital imaging without a traditional cassette; image appears electronically.

Positioning

Placing the patient or body part to best demonstrate anatomical structures; varies with exam and patient factors.

Anatomical position

Standard body orientation: standing erect, arms at sides, palms forward, head and feet forward.

Midsagittal plane

A sagittal plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Sagittal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right portions (not necessarily equal).

Midcoronal plane

A coronal plane that divides the body into equal anterior and posterior halves.

Transverse (axial) plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Oblique plane

A plane that is rotated relative to the standard planes; used for oblique imaging views.

Supine

Patient lying on the back; dorsal surface oriented upward.

Prone

Patient lying on the abdomen; ventral surface facing downward.

Trendelenburg position

Recumbent with the head lower than the feet.

Reverse Trendelenburg

Recumbent with the feet lower than the head (often called a reverse Trendelenburg or ‘bowler’s’ position in notes).

Anterior surface (ventral)

Front surface of the body.

Posterior surface (dorsal)

Back surface of the body; backside.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk of the body.

Distal

Farther from the trunk of the body.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Contralateral

On opposite sides of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Superior

Toward the head; upper part of the body.

Inferior

Toward the feet; lower part of the body.