Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Radiography Theory

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Quiz

This module covers the basic principles of CT, spiral CT and MRI scanning, the differences between them, and advantages of each.

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Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are imaging technologies that create cross sections or "slices" of the body part being scanned. This module covers the basic principles of CT, spiral CT and MRI scanning, the differences between them, and advantages of each. It provides an understanding of the technology and techniques involved in using these advanced imaging modalities. If you are studying for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) registry exams, this module is ideal.

You’ll learn

what computed tomography is and how it is achieved
the differences between conventional tomography, computed tomography, and spiral computed tomography
to identify the different components of a CT system and visualize how a CT system works
to describe how MRI works, and its indications and contraindications
much more (see “content details” for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Computed tomography

Step 1.1 - Principles of operation

Step 1.2 - Generations of CT scanners

Step 1.3 - System components

Step 1.4 - Image characteristics and reconstruction

Step 1.5 - Image quality

Step 1.6 - CT cross-section anatomy

Step 2 - Spiral computed tomography

Step 2.1 - Imaging principles

Step 2.2 - System design

Step 2.3 - Imaging techniques

Step 2.4 - Advantages and disadvantages of mulitslice spiral CT

Step 3 - Magnetic resonance imaging

Step 3.1 - Principles

Step 3.2 - Equipment

Step 3.3 - Application and safety

Step 3.4 - Technique

Step 3.5 - Application

Step 3.6 - Comparison of CT and MR images

Explain the purpose, principles, and application of computed tomography (CT)
Discuss the concepts of transverse tomography, translation, and reconstruction of images
Discuss the design features that make spiral computed tomography possible
Explain the spiral imaging principles of interpolation, pitch, index, and section sensitivity
Identify the appearance of contrast media on a CT image
Identify basic cross-sectional anatomy of the head, thorax, and abdomen on diagrams, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT images
Explain the purpose, principles, and application of MRI
Identify the appearance of T1 and T2 MRI images

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long