Eur J Anat, 15 (2): 73-84 (2011)

Teaching radiological anatomy

Tomas Sempere^1,2, Diasol Villa^1,2, Montserrat Jové¹, Miguel Torrente¹, Pedro Cobos¹, Verónica Piera¹

¹Human Anatomy and Embryology Unit, Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus (Tarragona), Spain ²Radiology Department, Joan XXIII University Hospital, Tarragona, Spain

ABSTRACT Human Anatomy has always been one of the core sciences in medical studies. If anatomical information is fundamental to medical studies, it is indispensable to the training of specialists in diagnostic medical imaging. Diagnostic medical imaging techniques include conventional radiology, ultrasonography, helical or multidetect computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR). In this paper, each of these techniques is described in terms of its relevance and usefulness to clinical and anatomical studies. We also describe the different ways in which CT and MR present information: multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP), 3D, volume rendering (VR), and virtual endoscopy. In particular, VR is a very important method for understanding cross-sectional anatomy because it affords a perfect perspective of all body structures on different spatial planes, so the fact that the cross-section can be 3-dimensionally viewed makes it a particularly attractive and illuminating technique. Virtual endoscopy provides images that until very recently were unavailable.This paper aims to describe the work that has been carried out in recent years since current study plans have been in place. Radiological anatomy is included as part of the content of Human Anatomy. Some of the diagnostic imaging methods are specifically given in-depth attention in an optional subject in the current study plan.

Keywords: Human Anatomy, Medical studies, Magnetic resonance, Computed tomography, Ultrasound, Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), Maximum intensity projection (MIP)