Radiological Anatomy of the Skeletal System (Axial Skeleton) and Imaging PDF

 RADIOLOGICAL ANATOMY OF THE SKELETAL SYSTEM (AXIAL SKELETON) AND IMAGING  Skull Bones Skull radiography is much less common than it once was. Today, the first choice for diagnostic imaging in cases of head trauma is the computed tomogr...

 RADIOLOGICAL ANATOMY OF THE SKELETAL SYSTEM (AXIAL SKELETON) AND IMAGING  Skull Bones Skull radiography is much less common than it once was. Today, the first choice for diagnostic imaging in cases of head trauma is the computed tomography (CT) scan, which provides information about the condition of the brain that cannot be obtained with routine radiography. CT is now also the principal imaging modality for the paranasal sinuses and some types of facial injuries.  On the other hand, radiography of the bones of the head is still a useful diagnostic tool. When a CT scanner is not immediately available, radiography can provide much valuable information. In addition, some types of skull pathologic conditions and facial injuries are still best evaluated radiographically. Anatomy The skull consists of 22 bones. Cranium Facial bones These bones also contribute to the oral and nasal cavities and form the orbits. Cranium The term cranium refers to the bones that surround the brain. The portion of the cranium on which the base of the brain rests is the floor and the remainder that surrounds the brain is called the calvaria. The cranium consists of eight bones: frontal, occipital, right and left parietal, right and left temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid.  The temporal bones also form portions of both the floor and the lateral outer surface of the cranium. They articulate with the sphenoid bone anteriorly and the occipital bone posteriorly. On the inferior lateral border is the external auditory meatus, also called the external acoustic meatus. Both terms are abbreviated EAM.  The joints that connect the bones of the cranium are synarthrodial (immovable) joints called sutures, which have individual names. The parietal bones are joined by the sagittal suture. Between the frontal bone and the parietal bones is the coronal suture. Between the parietal bones and the occipital bone is the lambdoidal suture. The joint that joins the parietal and temporal bones is the squamosal suture. Facial Bones maxilla, mandible (jaw), zygomas (cheek bones), and nasal bones.  The maxilla is actually two maxillary bones fused in the center beneath the nose. The maxilla is the largest immovable bone of the face and articulates with all of the other facial bones except the mandible. Its upper margins form the inferior medial orbital rims. SPINE Uncovertebral joint joint Joint cartilage Sternocostal joint Joint