Besides increasing the source to image receptor distance, what other factor improves spatial resolution for lateral and oblique projections of the cervical spine?

Using a small focal spot significantly improves spatial resolution in radiographic imaging, including lateral and oblique projections of the cervical spine. The focal spot is the area on the x-ray tube anode where the x-ray beam is generated. A smaller focal spot leads to a more defined and precise x-ray beam, which contributes to sharper images. This is particularly important for anatomical regions where fine detail is crucial, such as the cervical spine, where overlapping structures can complicate the visualization of specific vertebrae.

In contrast, a larger focal spot would produce a more diffuse x-ray beam, resulting in reduced sharpness and clarity of the image. Increasing exposure time or adjusting kVp settings can impact image density and contrast but do not directly enhance spatial resolution in the same way that focal spot size does. Essentially, the combination of a small focal spot and increased source-to-image receptor distance works together to minimize penumbra (the blurred area around the edges of structures) and maximize detail in the final image.