The AP humerus is obtained with the patient standing or supine, arm extended, palm supinated (external rotation) so the epicondyles lie parallel to the image receptor. Center the mid‑shaft over the detector and include both shoulder and elbow joints. The central ray is perpendicular to the mid‑humerus. If trauma prevents rotation, use a neutral position (palm against the thigh).

AP (anteroposterior) X‑ray directs the beam front-to-back with the detector behind the patient; it’s used when patients can’t stand and may slightly magnify anterior structures. Lateral X‑ray directs the beam side-to-side, producing a true profile that separates overlapping anatomy, aiding assessment of depth, lesion localization and spinal alignment.

Patient upright or supine, place the affected arm against the image receptor with the elbow flexed 90° and the forearm across the abdomen or hand on the opposite shoulder so the humeral epicondyles are perpendicular to the cassette. Center the beam at the mid‑shaft of the humerus, include shoulder and elbow, immobilize, use a marker, and ask the patient to hold still or suspend respiration for a sharp image.

Position the patient upright or supine with the affected arm slightly abducted and the elbow flexed 90°. Place the lateral surface of the humerus against the image receptor so the epicondyles are perpendicular to the receptor (elbow and forearm across the chest). Center the x‑ray beam on the mid‑humeral shaft and include shoulder and elbow; immobilize to prevent rotation.

PA view: patient faces the detector; beam passes back-to-front. Scapulae lie outside lung fields, clavicles have a symmetric downward slope, heart size is true (no magnification), and it’s usually taken at about 6 feet with good inspiration. AP view: often portable or supine; beam passes front-to-back. Scapulae project over lungs, clavicles more horizontal/asymmetric, heart appears magnified, with frequent poor inspiration or rotation.

An AP (anteroposterior) X‑ray projection means the X‑ray beam enters the patient’s front (anterior) and exits through the back (posterior). It’s often used when patients can’t stand or must be imaged supine. Because the heart and mediastinum lie closer to the X‑ray tube in AP views, these structures can appear magnified compared with a PA (posteroanterior) view.