If an object is angled, what must be adjusted to prevent shape distortion?

When an object is angled, it is crucial to adjust both the central ray (CR) and the image receptor (IR) to maintain accurate representation and prevent shape distortion in the resulting image. This is because an angled object can project its features differently onto the receptor compared to how it truly exists in three-dimensional space.

Adjusting the CR appropriately is essential because it determines how the x-ray beam interacts with the object and ultimately where the image is captured on the IR. If the CR is not aligned properly with the object, the resulting image can depict an altered shape or size due to the angling.

At the same time, adjusting the IR is equally important. The position of the IR affects how the x-rays that pass through the angled object strike the receptor. If the IR is not positioned to match the angle of the object and the CR, it can capture an image that does not accurately represent the object, leading to further distortion.

By adjusting both the CR and IR, one ensures that the anatomical structures are projected as closely as possible to their true size and shape, minimizing the potential for distortion that can arise from angling the object being imaged. This coordinated adjustment is critical in achieving diagnostic quality images in radiography.