For lateral projection of the nasal bones, which statement about CR location is correct?

• A. 1 inch superior to nasion
• B. Through nasion
• C. 0.5 inch inferior to nasion
• D. 2 inches inferior to nasion

Answer: (C)

For a lateral projection of the nasal bones, place the central ray about 0.5 inch inferior to the nasion. This positions the beam at the level of the nasal bones, which lie just below the nasion, so you get a true lateral image of the nasal bones with good contrast and sharpness. Centering through the nasion or too high would risk not clearly showing the nasal bones or would introduce overlapping structures from the forehead, while centering too far below could miss the nasal bones entirely and include adjacent midface anatomy. The half‑inch below nasion is the standard position to visualize the nasal bones accurately.