What projection of the skull requires the sagittal plane to be parallel to the image receptor and the interpupillary line to be perpendicular to the receptor?

The lateral projection of the skull is characterized by the requirement that the sagittal plane be parallel to the image receptor while ensuring the interpupillary line is perpendicular to the receptor. This positioning facilitates a clear and accurate representation of the skull's anatomy in a lateral perspective, which is essential for evaluating structures such as the cranial fossa, the orbits, and the zygomatic arches.

In this position, the alignment of the sagittal plane parallel to the receptor allows for an unobstructed view of the lateral aspects of the skull, preventing distortion and overlaps of the structures being analyzed. Maintaining the interpupillary line perpendicular ensures that any variations in the orbits are minimized, allowing for an even and proportionate representation of the skull's features. This setup is critical in radiographic imaging to provide precise and usable diagnostic information.