How is the coronal plane oriented in relation to the image receptor during a lateral projection of the thoracic spine?

The coronal plane is oriented perpendicular to the image receptor during a lateral projection of the thoracic spine. This orientation is crucial for accurately capturing the lateral view of the vertebral structure. When the patient is positioned for a lateral projection, the coronal plane must be aligned perpendicularly to the image receptor to ensure that the thoracic spine appears in its true alignment without distortion.

This alignment allows the radiograph to depict the anatomy in a way that is useful for diagnostic purposes, highlighting the thoracic vertebrae, intervertebral spaces, and adjacent structures clearly. When the coronal plane is correctly positioned, it minimizes superimposition and improves the overall quality of the radiographic image, facilitating better assessment and diagnosis. The other orientations—parallel, inclined, or at a random angle—would lead to potential distortion or misrepresentation of the thoracic spine anatomy on the image, which is not desirable in radiographic practice.