In the lateral cervicothoracic swimmers view, through which vertebra should the central ray pass?

• A. C7
• B. T1
• C. C5
• D. C2

Answer: (A)

In this view the goal is to image the cervicothoracic junction (where the cervical spine meets the thoracic spine) while the shoulders are moved out of the way. Directing the central ray through the seventh cervical vertebra, the vertebral prominens, places the beam right at that junction. Centering at C7 helps ensure the image includes C7 and the C7–T1 area without the shoulders obscuring the view, giving a clearer look at the transition between the cervical and upper thoracic spine. If the beam were aimed higher, the lower cervical region might be better seen but the cervicothoracic junction could be cut off or foreshortened; if aimed lower, the upper thoracic area could be obscured by the shoulders. This targeting of C7 provides the best balance to visualize the junction in the lateral swimmer’s view.