When the central ray (CR) is not aligned perpendicular to the image receptor (IR), which outcome is likely?

When the central ray (CR) is not aligned perpendicular to the image receptor (IR), the most likely outcomes include foreshortening or elongation of the anatomical structures being imaged and a loss of image detail or resolution. This is because an angled CR can distort the projection of the anatomy onto the IR, leading to an inaccurate representation of the size and shape of the structures.

Foreshortening occurs when the object being imaged is closer to the IR than the CR angle, making the image appear shorter than its actual size. Conversely, elongation happens when the object is farther from the IR than the CR angle, resulting in an image that appears longer than it should be. This distortion affects the diagnostic quality of the image.

Furthermore, inadequate alignment can lead to poor image quality by decreasing contrast and increasing the likelihood of artifacts, which can complicate the assessment of the image.

Thus, the correct answer connects the outcomes of foreshortening and elongation as well as the impact on image quality when the CR is misaligned, confirming the reasoning behind the choice of answer.