TOPOGRAPHICAL LANDMARKS

Useful guide points for radiographic positioning.

Topographical Landmarks

Specific anatomical points in the cervical region for radiographic reference.

Cervical Landmarks

Location of Mastoid Process (tip)

Level of C1, located about 1 inch below the external acoustic meatus (EAM).

Location of Gonion

Corresponds to the level of C3. Angle of Mandible

Location of Thyroid Cartilage (Adams apple)

Approximate level of C5, varying between C4-C5. CR for C-spine

Central Ray for C-Spine

Thyroid Cartilage (Adam’s apple)

location of Vertebra Prominens

Identified as C7 in cervical landmarks.

Key anatomical points for the thoracic region in radiography.

Thoracic Landmarks

Location of Jugular (suprasternal) Notch

Corresponds to T2 or T3, with T1 being 1.5 inches superior to the lvl of jugular notch

Sternal Angle Location

Located at T4 and T5, about 2 inches inferior to the manubrial notch.

Other name for Sternal Angle

Angle of Louis

Joint between manubrium and body of sternum

Sternal Angle (Manubriosternal Joint)

T7 Landmark

Positioned 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm) inferior to the jugular notch.

7-8 inches (18-20 cm) below vertebra prominent.

T7 Anterior Landmarks

1-2 inches from sternal angle

3-4 inches below jugular notch

Xiphoid Process Landmark

Corresponds to T9-10 in the thoracic region.

Located distal or inferiorly to sternum

Xiphoid Process

Key points for the lumbar and pelvic regions.

Lower Spine Landmarks

Location of Superior Margin of Symphysis Pubis

Corresponds to the prominence of the greater trochanter. This is where private part located

Where does the Superior Margin of Symphysis Pubis in Female is Located

Mons Pubis

Where does the CR located in Superior Margin of Symphysis Pubis

2 inches above

From iliac crest palpate anteriorly

Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS)

Location of Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS)

Aligns with the first or second sacral segment (S1-S2).

Location of Iliac Crest

Junction of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae (L4-L5). Common in L3

Location of Lowest Margin of Ribs

Corresponds to L2-L3.

Location of Xiphoid Tip

T10

Key anatomical features of the skull for radiographic positioning.

Cranial Topography

True or False. Facial bones X-ray do not collimate whole head

True

Arch of bone above the eyes across forehead, important for cranial positioning.

Superciliary Ridge

Corresponds to the highest level of facial bone mass.

SOG (Supraorbital Groove)

Smooth area between the eyebrows, slightly superior to the bridge of the nose.

Glabella

Junction of the nasal bones and frontal bone.

Nasion

Small Cartilaginous flap covering the ear opening.

Tragus

Refers to the superior attachment of the auricle, or the part where the side frames of eyeglasses rest. It also corresponds to the highest level of the petrous ridge.

TEA (Top of Ear Attachment)

Junctions of the upper and lower eyelids.

Canthi (plural)

Meeting point of the eyelids near the nose.

Inner Canthus (singular)

Lateral junction of the eyelids.

Outer Canthus

Upper or superior rim of the bony orbit.

SOM (Superior Orbital Margin)

True or False. IOM is more lateral than the Outer Canthus

True

Lower or inferior rim of the bony orbit. To know the correct depression of head.

IOM (Infraorbital Margin)

Portion of the lateral rim near the outer canthus.

Midlateral Orbital Margin

Angle Differences between OML, IOML, and GML for positioning adjustments.

Average 7° to 8° differences

Four divisions of the abdomen for anatomical reference.

Abdominal Quadrants

Nine specific areas for detailed anatomical study.

Abdominal Regions