Which components are crucial in contributing to shape distortion?

The selection of the components that contribute to shape distortion focuses on the factors directly involved in the imaging process. The X-ray tube is essential as it generates the beams that penetrate through the anatomy to produce an image. The anatomy being imaged plays a crucial role because different structures can alter the way X-rays are absorbed or scattered, influencing the final shape depicted in the image. The image receptor is also integral, as it captures the X-ray information and translates it into a visual output. Variations in the receptor's characteristics can lead to distortions in the representation of the anatomical structures.

In contrast, while patient positioning is a factor in imaging, its absence in the correct choice indicates its secondary role concerning the basic components that cause shape distortion. The film developer and image processing techniques primarily affect image quality and clarity but are not direct contributors to the inherent shape distortion. Similarly, while anatomy affects the outcome, stating "anatomy only" neglects the significance of the imaging technology components crucial for shape representation.