What is the purpose of imaging the skull using a lateral view?

The lateral view of the skull is particularly valuable for displaying the lateral structures without distortion. This perspective allows for an unobstructed view of the cranial anatomy, including the contours of the skull, the positioning of the temporal bone, and the overall morphology of the braincase. Moreover, a lateral view aids in evaluating anatomical relationships between structures like the maxilla, mandible, and zygomatic arch, providing critical information for diagnosis and treatment planning.

In contrast, other options focus on aspects that are either less effectively assessed in the lateral view or are better visualized using different imaging angles. For example, visualizing the frontal bone clearly typically requires an anterior or posteroanterior view. Assessing overall skull symmetry is generally better accomplished through a combination of views rather than relying solely on the lateral perspective. Analyzing the orbital contents typically necessitates specialized views due to the positioning and angles of these structures, making lateral imaging insufficient.