engleski

Basic medical imaging training integrated in anatomy course: an added value

Aim: The main aim of implementation of all aspects of medical imaging (radiography, CT, MRI, ultrasound) and endoscopy in a classical anatomy course is to enable students to perform ‘virtual dissection’ of a living person allowing them to appreciate different anatomical perspectives. Methods: Anatomy seminars and practical classes are accompanied with presentations of all relevant medical imaging approaches using An@tomedia CD-ROM. Particular attention is focused on endoscopy. For looking within hollow viscera (intraluminal endoscopy), attention is focused on mucosal features and specifics of the lumen. For looking within major body cavities (laparoscopy) the focus is on topographic relationships as well as on external features of organs. Endoscopies have been incorporated as both movies and selected images, where individual structures may be identified. Results: Particular, ‘from within’ anatomical perspective is achieved. All peculiarities of major hollow organs can be clearly visualized from inside the organ. Anatomical features of major body spaces (peritoneal and pleural) can be appreciated ; organs can be moved and ‘probed’, variations and individual characteristics can be distinguished. Conclusion: The implementation of principles of medical imaging to anatomical courses makes anatomy classes more interesting and useful because this way anatomy becomes ‘live’ and more clinically relevant. Also, the ability to recognize various organs and interpret their relations on images other than those in classical anatomy textbooks and atlases can be a positive indicator of advanced knowledge and understanding of anatomy.

anatomy; medical imaging; teaching

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