Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a primary function of cranial bones?
Which of the following is NOT a primary function of cranial bones?
- Providing attachment points for facial muscles (correct)
- Protecting sensory organs, like inner ear structures
- Protecting the brain from mechanical injury
- Enclosing the brain within a bony structure
What distinguishes facial bones from cranial bones?
What distinguishes facial bones from cranial bones?
- Cranial bones are connected by movable joints, while facial bones are fused.
- Cranial bones protect the brain, while facial bones provide the framework for the face and mouth. (correct)
- The quantity; cranial bones are more numerous than facial bones.
- Facial bones directly enclose the brain, while cranial bones form the face structure.
All bones of the skull are connected by immovable joints, with one exception. Which bone is the exception?
All bones of the skull are connected by immovable joints, with one exception. Which bone is the exception?
- Zygomatic bone
- Occipital bone
- Temporal bone
- Jaw bone (correct)
A patient presents with suspected increased intracranial pressure. Which imaging modality would be MOST appropriate to initially assess for hydrocephalus or mass effect?
A patient presents with suspected increased intracranial pressure. Which imaging modality would be MOST appropriate to initially assess for hydrocephalus or mass effect?
Which of the following conditions might warrant a skull X-ray?
Which of the following conditions might warrant a skull X-ray?
A patient reports experiencing frequent headaches and is suspected of having increased intracranial pressure. Which imaging modality can best visualize fine bone detail and acute bleeds?
A patient reports experiencing frequent headaches and is suspected of having increased intracranial pressure. Which imaging modality can best visualize fine bone detail and acute bleeds?
Which of the following statements about skull X-rays is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about skull X-rays is MOST accurate?
What is a key advantage of using CT scans over traditional X-rays for evaluating skull trauma?
What is a key advantage of using CT scans over traditional X-rays for evaluating skull trauma?
On a lateral skull radiograph, what anatomical structure is used as a reliable landmark for identifying the location of the sella turcica?
On a lateral skull radiograph, what anatomical structure is used as a reliable landmark for identifying the location of the sella turcica?
In a sagittal view X-ray of the skull, which of the following structures is typically visualized?
In a sagittal view X-ray of the skull, which of the following structures is typically visualized?
Why might a physician order a skull and sinus X-ray?
Why might a physician order a skull and sinus X-ray?
What is the MAIN advantage of CT imaging over traditional X-ray when evaluating skull and sinus pathology?
What is the MAIN advantage of CT imaging over traditional X-ray when evaluating skull and sinus pathology?
In head CT imaging, which window setting is OPTIMAL for evaluating bony structures of the skull?
In head CT imaging, which window setting is OPTIMAL for evaluating bony structures of the skull?
A CT scan of the skull using a bone window is PRIMARILY used to assess:
A CT scan of the skull using a bone window is PRIMARILY used to assess:
When evaluating a CT scan of the skull in bone window, which suture appears as a thin, lucent line?
When evaluating a CT scan of the skull in bone window, which suture appears as a thin, lucent line?
On a CT scan of the skull in bone window, which of the following anatomical structures is helpful in locating the pituitary fossa?
On a CT scan of the skull in bone window, which of the following anatomical structures is helpful in locating the pituitary fossa?
On axial CT images of the skull, what anatomical landmark helps identify pathologies related to the inner ear?
On axial CT images of the skull, what anatomical landmark helps identify pathologies related to the inner ear?
What is the function of the foramen magnum?
What is the function of the foramen magnum?
Which imaging feature is MOST indicative of increased age when evaluating the sutures on a pediatric skull CT?
Which imaging feature is MOST indicative of increased age when evaluating the sutures on a pediatric skull CT?
What condition is characterized by premature fusion of the sutures, leading to an abnormally shaped skull?
What condition is characterized by premature fusion of the sutures, leading to an abnormally shaped skull?
What is a common finding in imaging studies of infants with trigonocephaly?
What is a common finding in imaging studies of infants with trigonocephaly?
In the context of skull trauma, what does the presence of bruising around the eyes and behind the ears suggest?
In the context of skull trauma, what does the presence of bruising around the eyes and behind the ears suggest?
What is the MOST likely cause of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following a basilar skull fracture?
What is the MOST likely cause of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following a basilar skull fracture?
Which imaging modality is typically used to diagnose a basilar skull fracture?
Which imaging modality is typically used to diagnose a basilar skull fracture?
In evaluating a skull base fracture with CT, what finding would suggest involvement of the carotid canal?
In evaluating a skull base fracture with CT, what finding would suggest involvement of the carotid canal?
Following a traumatic head injury, what is the BEST initial imaging choice to evaluate for acute intracranial hemorrhage?
Following a traumatic head injury, what is the BEST initial imaging choice to evaluate for acute intracranial hemorrhage?
Why is MRI useful in head imaging?
Why is MRI useful in head imaging?
In an axial view of a head MRI, which of these is not visualized?
In an axial view of a head MRI, which of these is not visualized?
Which of the following statements about skull imaging is MOST accurate?
Which of the following statements about skull imaging is MOST accurate?
Flashcards
What is the skull?
What is the skull?
The bony structure of the head that encases the brain, comprised of cranial and facial bones.
What are cranial bones?
What are cranial bones?
Bones that protect and enclose the brain within the skull.
What are facial bones?
What are facial bones?
Bones that provide the structural framework for the face and mouth.
Why get a skull X-ray?
Why get a skull X-ray?
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What is a basilar skull fracture?
What is a basilar skull fracture?
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What are three CT scan views?
What are three CT scan views?
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What are the 3 windows commonly used in head CT?
What are the 3 windows commonly used in head CT?
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What is trigonocephaly?
What is trigonocephaly?
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Study Notes
- Imaging focuses on the skull, cranial bones, age-related features, and traumatic injuries.
- Techniques include CT, MRI, and radiography with axial, coronal, and sagittal sections.
Bones of the Skull
- The skull or cranium is the bony structure of the head.
- The skull comprises two sets of bones.
- Cranial bones protect and enclose the brain.
- Facial bones provide the framework for the face and mouth.
- All skull bones are attached by immovable joints, except for the movable jaw bone.
- The cranium holds and protects the brain, and consists of 8 bones.
- Bones: Frontal, Parietal (one on each side), Temporal (one on each side), Ethmoid, Sphenoid, Occipital.
- The facial skeleton has 14 bones making up the jaws, cheeks, and nasal area.
Why a Skull X-ray is Done
- Reasons for a skull X-ray:
- Traumatic head injury.
- Decalcification of the bone.
- Deformities in the skull.
- Fractures of the skull or facial bones.
- Frequent headaches.
- Infection of the bones of the skull.
- Occupational hearing loss (caused by your job).
- Tumors.
- Depending on X-ray findings, follow-up imaging scans like MRI or CT might be needed.
X-Ray of the Skull
- Sutures visible in skull X Rays include sagittal (top of skull) and lambdoidal (back of skull).
X-Ray Sagittal View
Visible structures:
- Orbital Roof
- Greater Sphenoid Wing
- Sella Turcica
Lateral Radiograph of the Skull
- Visible Structures: Coronal suture (arrowheads), occipital suture (open arrow), middle meningeal vascular grooves (straight arrows), sella turcica (St), and mastoid air cells (M).
X-Ray of the Skull and Sinuses
- Frontal sinuses can be seen, as well as ethmoid sinuses and nasal septum.
- Petrous ridge is visible
Head CT Windows
- There are generally 3 windows used on Head CT, brain, bone and subdural
CT of the Skull (Bone Window)
- On Bone window, frontal bone, parietal bone and sagittal suture will appear
Age Related Features
- Axial bone algorithm CT images (1 mm thick) of the lambdoid sutures (arrows) are used to image patients of diffent ages
- In a 2-day-old neonate, the sutures measure 4-7 mm, have ill-defined margins, and can appear asymmetric.
- By 6 weeks, the size of the sutures decreased dramatically.
- By 13 months, suture edges are better defined.
Additional information on age related features
- Axial CT scan (A), anterolateral (B) and superior (C) 3DCT volume rendered images show trigonocephaly from premature / abnormal fusion of the metopic suture (arrow).
- There is marked flattening of the frontal bones
Skull Trauma
- Skull trauma imaging is important for diagnosing fractures.
- Lateral skull radiograph of a child hit in the head with demonstrated depressed fracture of occipital bone.
- Fractures are represented in black lines
Basilar Skull Fracture
- A basilar skull fracture is a break in the skull base.
- Symptoms: bruising behind the ears/around the eyes, blood behind the eardrum.
- A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak around the nose or ear occurs in about 20% of cases.
- Meningitis, a complication, occurs in about 14% of cases; other complications include cranial nerve or blood vessel injury.
- Basilar skull fractures typically require a significant degree of trauma.
- Break is in at least one of the following bones: temporal, occipital, sphenoid, frontal, or ethmoid.
- Divided into anterior/middle/posterior fossa fractures; facial fractures occur too.
Visualizing Basilar Skull Fracture CT
- A subtile temporal bone fracture is seen on CT in a head injury patient.
Head MRI
- Head MRI scans allow multiple views
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Description
Explore skull imaging techniques like CT, MRI, and radiography focusing on cranial bones and traumatic injuries. Learn about the bones of the skull, including cranial and facial bones, and reasons for skull X-rays such as head injuries and fractures.
