Anatomy Demonstrated
Inferior orbital margin, maxilla, nasal bones, zygoma and
zygomatic arches
Skull Occipito-mental Anatomy Meschan, I. 1955 An Atlas of Normal Radiographic Anatomy
Saunders, London
Basic Patient Position The patient lies supine on the table midsaggital plane
aligned central to the top, the chin is depressed until the
orbital meatal line is at 90 degrees to the trolley top, a small
pad may be needed below the occiput to achieve this comfortably.
The interpupilary line should be parallel to the trolley top.
The film (grid cassette) is place vertical above the vertex as
in the picture below.
Skull modified-mental-occipito Patient Position Ponsford & Clements Radiography Today Vol 57 No 646*
Radiation protection
Collimate to minimise irradiation of the thyroid region
Central Ray
The horizontal central ray is aligned along the long axis of the
trolley and angled 20 degrees down and centered in the midline
to the maxilla, an extended FFD may be required.
Exposure Factors
Kv
mAS
FFD (cm)
Grid
Focus
AEC
Cassette
85
60
120
Yes
Fine
No
24 x 30 cm
Evaluation of the Image
ID and anatomical markers must be present and correct in the
appropriate area of the film.
Optimal exposure should penetrate all the bone structures and
contrast should be low enough to visualise fully the bone and
soft tissue structures.
The symmetrical facial structures should be symmetrical about
the midline.
The lower border of the maxillary sinuses should be projected
clear of the petrous bones.
Skull modified-mental-occipito Radiograph
Related Projections
Facial bones lateral
Skull trauma series
