Question

Which of the following radiographic studies would best benefit by applying the anode heel effect

1. Mammography
2. Dental radiography
3. Chest X-ray
4. Thoracic Spine

Answer 1

Applying the anode heel effect is beneficial in mammography and imaging the thoracic spine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The anode heel effect is a phenomenon in X-ray imaging where the intensity of X-rays is higher at the cathode side of the X-ray tube compared to the anode side. This effect is due to the angle at which X-rays are emitted from the tube. The anode heel effect can be used to the advantage of certain radiographic studies:

1. Mammography: Mammography is a type of X-ray imaging used to examine the breasts. Applying the anode heel effect can help to ensure that the X-ray beam is stronger at the chest wall side, which may improve image quality for detecting breast abnormalities closer to the chest wall.
2. Thoracic Spine: The anode heel effect can also be useful in imaging the thoracic spine. By positioning the cathode side of the X-ray tube near the upper thoracic vertebrae and the anode side near the lower thoracic vertebrae, the resulting X-ray beam will be stronger at the lower vertebrae, providing better visualization of structures in that region.