When a physician asks for the C-arm to tilt cephalad, what are they aligning?

When a physician requests that the C-arm tilt cephalad, they are typically aiming to align the imaging equipment's view with the anatomical structures that are being focused on, such as the endpoints. This adjustment is crucial during procedures to obtain optimal images for accuracy in diagnosis or intervention.

Tilting cephalad raises the image intensifier end of the C-arm, helping to visualize the structures above the area of interest more clearly and allowing for better assessment of the endpoints or targets that may be present in the field of view. This maneuver enhances the view of the anatomy, enabling the physician to make more informed decisions during the procedure based on the positioning and alignment of those endpoints relative to other structures.

In contrast, other choices like pedicles, intervertebral space, and spinous processes refer to specific anatomical components that may not encompass the broader focus that endpoints represent in this context. Therefore, understanding the aim of the tilt in terms of imaging and alignment with endpoints is key to grasping the use of the C-arm in procedural settings.