Week 5: Session 9 – Anatomy and Physiology for Radiographers

Text Explanation for Session 9

1. Basic Anatomy for Radiographers

• Chest Anatomy:

  • Lungs: The lungs are the primary organs of respiration. They appear dark on X-rays because they are filled with air, which absorbs fewer X-rays compared to soft tissues.

  • Heart: Positioned centrally in the chest, the heart is more dense than the lungs and appears lighter on an X-ray.

  • Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a large muscle that separates the thoracic cavity (lungs and heart) from the abdominal cavity. On chest radiographs, it appears as a dome-shaped structure, with the right side typically higher than the left due to the liver.

• Abdominal Anatomy:

  • Liver: Located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, the liver is the largest internal organ and appears lighter due to its density.

  • Stomach: The stomach, located in the upper left quadrant, can sometimes be visible if filled with air or gas, which can show as a dark area on an abdominal X-ray.

  • Intestines: Both the small and large intestines can contain air, gas, or fluid, making their outline visible on abdominal X-rays.

• Pelvic Anatomy:

  • Bladder: The bladder is located in the lower part of the abdomen and pelvis and can be visible on X-rays if distended.

  • Pelvic Bones: The iliac crests and pubic symphysis are key bony landmarks in pelvic radiography.

• Upper Extremity Anatomy:

  • Humerus: The largest bone of the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow.

  • Radius and Ulna: The two bones of the forearm. The radius is on the lateral (thumb) side, and the ulna is on the medial (little finger) side.

  • Shoulder Joint: Includes the scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collarbone), forming the shoulder girdle.

• Lower Extremity Anatomy:

  • Femur: The longest and strongest bone in the body, extending from the hip to the knee.

  • Tibia and Fibula: The bones of the lower leg. The tibia is the larger and more medial bone, while the fibula is thinner and located laterally.

  • Knee Joint: Composed of the femur, tibia, and patella (kneecap).

2. Basic Physiology for Radiographers

• Respiratory System:

  • The primary function of the respiratory system is gas exchange, delivering oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide. In radiography, proper visualization of the lungs is essential for diagnosing conditions such as pneumonia, pleural effusions, and lung cancer.

  • Respiration and Radiographs: Instructing patients to take a deep breath and hold it during a chest X-ray helps expand the lungs for better visualization.

• Cardiovascular System:

  • The cardiovascular system is responsible for circulating blood throughout the body. The heart and major blood vessels can be seen on chest radiographs, providing valuable information about conditions such as cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) or aortic aneurysms.

• Digestive System:

  • The digestive system's function is to process food, absorb nutrients, and expel waste. Abdominal radiographs are commonly used to evaluate the digestive tract for conditions like bowel obstructions or perforations.

• Skeletal System:

  • The skeletal system provides structural support and protection for vital organs. It also facilitates movement. Radiographs are essential for visualizing bones and joints to assess for fractures, dislocations, and degenerative changes such as arthritis.

  • Bone Density: Bones appear white on X-rays due to their high density, which absorbs more X-rays than surrounding soft tissues.