Final answer:
Osteomas are commonly found on the lateral side of the skull near the external occipital protuberance. They are best visualized using a lateral projection on imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans.
Step-by-step explanation:
An osteoma is a benign bone growth most commonly found in the skull. The most common location for an osteoma in the skull is on the lateral side, particularly around the area known as the external occipital protuberance, which is a small bump located at the midline on the posterior skull. This area is important as it serves as an attachment site for ligaments of the neck and is associated with the occipital bone, the single bone that forms the posterior skull and posterior base of the cranial cavity.
To visualize an osteoma effectively, various imaging projections can be used. However, osteomas are typically best seen on a projection that provides a clear view of its location. In the case of osteomas located on the lateral aspect of the skull near the external occipital protuberance, a lateral projection would typically provide the best visibility on imaging studies such as X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans.