Terminology. • AP, PA, Lateral. Anterior-Posterior (AP) radiographs are taken with the patient facing the x-ray tube, so that the x-ray beam enters their anterior side, and exits posteriorly.

What does AP mean in xrays?

AP, X-ray: An X-ray picture in which the beams pass from front-to-back ( anteroposterior ). As opposed to a PA (posteroanterior) film in which the rays pass through the body from back-to-front.

What is a Ap chest xray?

The erect anteroposterior chest view is an alternative to the PA view when the patient is too unwell to tolerate standing or leaving the bed ¹. The AP view examines the lungs, bony thoracic cavity, mediastinum, and great vessels.

What is AP LAT?

Uses of X-Ray (AP / LAT View) Test. A chest x-ray is used to perform in AP as well lateral view to evaluate lungs, heart and chest wall. It is a first imaging test to diagnose symptoms like difficulty in breathing, a bad and persistent cough, chest pain or injury and fever.

What does AP projection mean?

AP pro·jec·tion (prŏ-jek’shŭn) A radiographic study in which x-rays travel from anterior to posterior. Synonym(s): anteroposterior projection.

What is a lateral xray?

Lateral X-ray: An X-ray taken from the side of the patient.

What is AP in medical terms?

Reviewed on 3/29/2021. Anteroposterior (AP): In anatomy, AP stands for anteroposterior: from front-to-back. For example, an AP X-ray of the chest is taken from front-to-back. AP in this respect is the opposite of PA, which stands for posteroanterior: from back-to-front.

Will chest xray show pneumonia?

Chest x-ray: An x-ray exam will allow your doctor to see your lungs, heart and blood vessels to help determine if you have pneumonia. When interpreting the x-ray, the radiologist will look for white spots in the lungs (called infiltrates) that identify an infection.

What is knee AP?

The knee anteroposterior view is a standard projection to assess the knee joint, distal femur, proximal tibia and fibula and the patella.

What is AP view and PA view?

Key points. Posterior-Anterior (PA) is the standard projection. PA projection is not always possible. Both PA and AP views are viewed as if looking at the patient from the front. PA views are of higher quality and more accurately assess heart size than AP images.

What is the lateral view?

Definition: lateral view. lateral view (lat-er-al) A visual perspective from the side.

What is a lateral projection?

lat·er·al pro·jec·tion radiographic projection with the x-ray beam in a coronal plane.

How much should the knee be flexed for a lateral view?

The leg is rotated slightly inward in order to place the knee and the lower leg in a true anterior-posterior position. The image receptor is centered on the central ray. For a lateral view, the patient is positioned on the affected side, with the knee flexed 20-30 degrees.