Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Neuroglia and neurons, the nerve impulse, the synapse, excitatory transmission and inhibitory transmission and integration at synapses, neurotransmitters and regeneration; the meninges; the spinal cord, the composition and distribution of the spinal nerves, the brachial plexus; cerebrospinal fluid; the blood supply to the brain and the concept of the blood-brain barrier. The bones of the skull and their radiographic appearances; the structure of the brain - the brain stem, the pons, the midbrain, the diencephalon, the cerebrum and functional areas of the cerebral cortex. Olfactory sensations; visual sensations; accessory structure of the eye; the structure of the eye; the visual pathway. Auditory sensations and equilibrium; the middle and internal ear; the physiology of hearing and equilibrium. Sectional CT and MR appearances of the normal brain, eye, ear and the organs of balance and equilibrium. Common disorders affecting the brain and their appearances on CT and MR. Demyelinating diseases and tumors of the nervous system. Disorders and trauma of the skull and facial bones together with their radiographic, CT and MR appearances.

Objectives

1. Explain the basic components, structure and function of the central nervous system including the special senses of sight, smell, hearing and equilibrium;

2. Describe the anatomical structure of the cranium and bones comprising the face and the brain including its vascular supply;

3. Describe important pathological processes involved in diseases affecting the central nervous system including the special senses of sight, smell, hearing and equilibrium;

4. Distinguish between normal and abnormal pathophysiological processes affecting the central nervous system and its blood supply as they appear on sectional computed tomography, magnetic resonance and digital subtraction angiographic images;

5. Name and identify the key the osseous and soft tissue components of the central nervous system, cranium, the face and the brain as they appear on sectional computed tomography and magnetic resonance images;

6. Compare and contrast the computed tomography, magnetic resonance and digital subtraction angiographic appearances of the vascular supply to the head and neck;

7. Discriminate between the osseous and soft tissue components, important muscles and blood vessels of the chest, abdomen, male and female pelvis, spine, limbs and girdles as displayed on sectional CT and MRI images;

8. Apply knowledge and understanding of important pathological processes involved in diseases affecting the central nervous system including the special senses of sight, smell, hearing and equilibrium to radiographic practice situations.

Assessment

One 2 hour written examination (45%)
Three 20 minute on-line image analysis and recognition tests (35%)
One 2000 word Radiologic Biology assignment (20%)

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Marilyn Baird

Contact hours

4 x one hour lectures
1 x one hour engagement with sectional anatomy learning tutorials
1 x one hour tutorials including anatomy and pathology demonstration classes
Up to 6 hours self - directed study in keeping with the credit point value of the unit

Prerequisites

RAD1031, RAD1082, RAD2061

Co-requisites

RAD2012