Where should the central ray enter for a lateral chest radiograph?

For a lateral chest radiograph, the central ray should enter along the midcoronal plane at the level of T7. This positioning is crucial for obtaining a clear and accurate representation of the thoracic structures, such as the heart and lungs. The midcoronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior sections, and aiming the central ray at T7 effectively positions it to capture the full depth of the thorax, providing a comprehensive view of the chest organs and structures.

The T7 vertebra is typically located at the level of the inferior angle of the scapula, which helps radiologic technologists align the patient correctly for optimal imaging. Properly centering at this level allows for minimal distortion and ensures that the lungs and mediastinum are well visualized on the radiograph, making it an ideal anatomical reference point for lateral chest imaging.