Due to the presence of anode heel effect, ideally the thoracic spine X-ray should be carried out with what?

The anode heel effect describes a phenomenon in radiography where the intensity of the X-ray beam is greater on the cathode side compared to the anode side, due to the geometry of the X-ray tube. This effect is particularly relevant in imaging larger body parts, such as the thoracic spine, where the objective is to achieve a uniform exposure across the area of interest.

In the context of taking an X-ray of the thoracic spine, positioning T12, the last thoracic vertebra, under the cathode part allows for optimal exposure of this area. Since T12 is located at the lower end of the thoracic spine and is closer to the cathode, it will benefit from the increased intensity of radiation, resulting in better visualization and detail capture of the thoracic vertebrae above it.

Positions that place L1, the lumbosacral junction, or T10 under the cathode may lead to uneven exposure, as these areas would either be too distant from the cathode or not situated optimally to take advantage of the intensity gradient provided by the anode heel effect. Therefore, having T12 under the cathode part is the correct choice for achieving the clearest and most consistent imaging of the thoracic spine