The human body is a complex organism made up of various interdependent systems and components. Anatomy is the study of these components and the systems that they comprise. Put another way, anatomy is the study of the structure of the body, and the spatial relationship of its parts. Radiographic anatomy is the study of body structures that can be satisfactorily recorded as images of varying densities on x-ray film. Although the primary emphasis in radiographic anatomy will be on the skeletal system, as an X-ray technologist, you should be familiar with the structure of the whole body, and the interdependent systems of which it is comprised.

A detailed study of human anatomy and physiology is beyond the scope of this subcourse. Fortunately, you do not require such detailed knowledge. However, a basic knowledge of bones and their joints, their locations, and their surface landmarks, is essential for proper positioning of the patient. You should also know sufficient detail of the internal organ systems, including their components, locations, and functions, to perform the various radiographic procedures.

In the radiology department, you need to possess a thorough knowledge of medical and anatomical terminology so that you can communicate quickly and accurately with other members of the health care team. This knowledge will enable you to evaluate the situations in which you carry out your responsibilities, and to take the appropriate actions. For example, suppose that an ambulatory patient presents a request slip that shows a provisional diagnosis of arthritis with ankylosis of the right shoulder and elbow. You should immediately recognize that the patient has a fixed and inflamed right shoulder and elbow. This knowledge will influence the manner in which the exposure is made. You should do everything possible to position the patient in such a way as to cause minimum discomfort. In addition, you need to have sufficient knowledge of anatomy to interpret clinical requests correctly and to determine if the anatomical structures represented in the finished radiograph fulfill the requirements of the original request.

Share This