American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Practice Exam

When imaging, angling the X-ray tube in relation to the anatomical part can lead to elongation distortion. This type of distortion occurs when the image of the anatomical structure appears longer than its actual size due to the tube's angle. Essentially, when the X-ray beam is angled, the projection of the object onto the imaging receptor is altered—some parts of the structure may be projected differently, causing an increased length.

In the case of elongation, the parts of the object that are closest to the tube (which is angled) tend to appear more elongated, while parts farther away may not be as affected. Understanding this concept helps technologists effectively control image distortion and improve diagnostic clarity. The principle behind this is also why accurate positioning and angling of the tube are crucial for optimal image quality.