Line focus principle is used to reduce the effective area of the focal spot.

Which permits the best

resolution of detail while permitting as large an actual area as possible.

The effective focal spot size is controlled by the size of the actual focal spot (which is controlled
by the length of the filament) and the anode target angle.
Increased angle of focal-spot = increased effective focal spot size

Most common diagnotic radioraphy target angle is 12.

Advantages of line focus principle: improves spatial resolution and target heat capacity
Disadvantages of line focus principle: the heel effect, uneven radiation intensity of primary
beam, and more intense on the cathode side
Effective focal spot is what the patient sees when looking up at tube

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Electrons from filament don't just hit target, they interact with tungsten and some electrons are
attenuated into the metal. Therefore, resulting in less intensity on the anode side
Common anode angle range from 7-12 and induces a variation of the x-ray output in the
plane comprising the anode-cathode axis
The magnitude of influence of the heel effect on the image depends on: anode angle, size
of film, and focus to film distance
The greater the angle = the less heel effect
Patient's head is always at the anode end because the cathode end has the highest
intensity
Central ray is centered to patient because it provides the most accurate information
Advantage of using heel effect: using it to even-out denisty when imaging anatomy with uneven
part thickness (feet, thoracic spine, chest)

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