B9275 - ANATOMIA RADIOGRAFICA E TOMOGRAFIA VETERINARIA NORMALE

Learning outcomes

He/she is able to carry out a correct positioning for the radiographic study of the different anatomical districts on the model in the clinical skills lab. Is able to recognise and describe the normal aspects of the structures of the various systems of domestic animals in the context of radiographic and ultrasound methods.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course "B9095 – TOPOGRAPHIC AND RADIO-TOMOGRAPHIC VETERINARY ANATOMY".

By the end of the integrated course, students will know and understand the topographic anatomy of domestic animals, with particular reference to the boundaries, relationships and stratigraphy of the different body regions, the anatomical relationships between organs, and the course and distribution of the major blood vessels and nerves.

Students will also acquire practical skills in diagnostic imaging, being able to correctly position patients for radiographic examinations of different anatomical regions using models in the Clinical Skills Lab. They will also be able to recognise and describe the normal appearance of the different body systems using radiographic and ultrasonographic techniques, applying their anatomical knowledge to support the study of clinical, surgical and veterinary public health disciplines.

The Integrated Course "B9095 – TOPOGRAPHIC AND RADIO-TOMOGRAPHIC VETERINARY ANATOMY" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.5, 1.17, 1.18, 1.29, 1.30.

Specific Prerequisites

Students are recommended to have previously acquired a sound knowledge of the anatomy of domestic animal species.

Specific Course Contents

The course is organised as follows.

Lectures

• Physical principles of X-rays: production, physical characteristics, interaction with matter, radiographic image formation, radiographic equipment and principles of radiation protection. (4 hours)
• Physical principles of ultrasonography: ultrasound generation, interaction with biological tissues, ultrasound image formation, image acquisition techniques and the main imaging artefacts. (3 hours)
• Normal radiographic anatomy of the axial and appendicular skeleton. (4 hours)
• Normal radiographic and ultrasonographic anatomy of the thorax. (4 hours)
• Normal radiographic and ultrasonographic anatomy of the abdomen. (6 hours)

Practical Sessions

• Practical activities in the computer laboratory aimed at the guided interpretation of normal radiographic and ultrasonographic images and the identification of the main anatomical structures through interactive discussion with the instructor and small-group work using dedicated workstations. (8 hours)
• Practical activities in the Clinical Skills Lab aimed at acquiring the correct patient positioning techniques using models for the acquisition of the main radiographic projections of the different anatomical regions. (1 hour)

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching material is available on the University's Virtuale platform.

Required Reading

• Teaching presentations and supporting material provided by the instructor through the Virtuale platform.
• Coulson A., Lewis N. An Atlas of Interpretative Radiographic Anatomy of the Dog and Cat. 2nd ed., Blackwell Science, 2008.
• Thrall D.E., Robertson I.D. Atlas of Normal Radiographic Anatomy and Anatomic Variants in the Dog and Cat. 3rd ed., Elsevier, 2023.
• Penninck D., d'Anjou M.A. Atlas of Small Animal Ultrasonography. 3rd ed., Wiley Blackwell, 2025.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 21 hours of lectures and 9 hours of practical sessions.

Lectures

Lectures cover the physical principles of radiology and ultrasonography and illustrate the normal imaging anatomy of the major organ systems using radiographic and ultrasonographic images. Multimedia presentations, diagnostic images and videos are extensively used throughout the course to promote the integration of anatomical knowledge with diagnostic imaging.

Practical Sessions

Practical sessions take place in the computer laboratory. Students work in small groups using dedicated workstations to analyse normal radiographic and ultrasonographic images. These activities are designed to develop students' ability to recognise anatomical structures, orient themselves within diagnostic images and correctly interpret normal imaging findings.

During the practical sessions, the instructor guides students through the systematic interpretation of normal radiographic and ultrasonographic images, promoting the recognition of the main anatomical structures and their correlation with the theoretical concepts covered during the lectures. Students are subsequently encouraged to work independently, either individually or in small groups, to identify and interpret anatomical structures on diagnostic images and discuss their findings with the instructor.

Practical activities carried out in the Clinical Skills Lab enable students to acquire the correct patient positioning techniques using models for obtaining the main radiographic projections.

Assessment methods

Assessment within the Integrated Course B9095 – Topographic and Radio-Tomographic Veterinary Anatomy consists of two examinations.

The first examination is an oral examination assessing the learning outcomes of Veterinary Topographic Anatomy. The examination is based on anatomical diagrams and photographs taken from veterinary topographic anatomy atlases commonly used during the course.

Students will be asked to discuss two different topics. For each topic, the assessment will evaluate both the depth of theoretical knowledge and the ability to identify the anatomical structures indicated on the images provided. The appropriate use of anatomical terminology will also be considered in the overall evaluation.

The oral examination is assessed according to the following grading criteria:

• 18–22: Knowledge limited to a small number of course topics; analytical ability demonstrated only with guidance from the examiner; generally appropriate scientific language.
• 23–26: Knowledge of a limited number of course topics; ability to perform independent analysis only in straightforward situations; appropriate scientific language.
• 27–29: Good knowledge of a wide range of course topics; ability to perform independent critical analysis; appropriate use of anatomical terminology.
• 30–30 with honours: Comprehensive knowledge of all course topics; ability to perform independent critical analysis and establish connections between topics; excellent command of anatomical terminology together with strong reasoning and critical thinking skills.

The result of the oral examination is communicated immediately after the examination. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass.

The second examination within the Integrated Course is a written examination assessing the learning outcomes of Normal Veterinary Radiographic and Tomographic Anatomy.

The written examination consists of two sections.

The first section consists of 20 multiple-choice questions covering the physical principles of radiology and ultrasonography as well as all topics included in the course syllabus. Each question has one correct answer. Each correct answer is awarded 1 point, while incorrect or unanswered questions receive 0 points. The maximum score for this section is 20 points.

The second section consists of the analysis of diagnostic images (radiographic and ultrasonographic) depicting normal anatomical conditions. Students are required to:

• identify the radiographic projection, patient positioning and anatomical region shown;
• identify the animal species and, where appropriate, the morphological type and/or age class;
• identify the main anatomical structures by assigning the corresponding labels on the image;
• perform and interpret the required anatomical measurements and answer questions concerning normal anatomy.

The maximum score for this section is 10 points, including 4 points for the identification of anatomical structures and 6 points for the remaining questions.

The final mark for the written examination is expressed out of 30 and corresponds to the sum of the scores obtained in the two sections. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass.

Honours (30L) may be awarded to students obtaining the maximum score (30/30) and demonstrating outstanding accuracy in the identification of anatomical structures, in the correct performance and interpretation of the required anatomical measurements, and in the use of appropriate anatomical terminology.

During the examination, the use of supporting material or electronic devices (including calculators, tablets, smartwatches and computers) is not permitted unless expressly authorised by the instructor.

Results of the written examination will be published within five working days on the University's Virtuale platform.

A negative assessment does not result in a numerical grade but only in the judgement withdrawn or failed, which is recorded in the electronic examination report on AlmaEsami and therefore does not affect the student's academic record.

The grades obtained in the individual examinations and the final grade for the Integrated Course will be published on AlmaEsami within five working days of the examination date.

Students may refuse the final grade once by notifying the course coordinator via e-mail within five working days.

The course coordinator responsible for recording the final grade is Prof. Annamaria Grandis.

Students must register for examinations through AlmaEsami. Examination sessions are scheduled according to the Academic Calendar. Additional examination sessions are reserved for students who are beyond the normal duration of the degree programme.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support service well in advance. Appropriate accommodations may be proposed, subject to approval by the instructor at least 15 days before the examination and provided they remain consistent with the intended learning outcomes of the course.

The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) during examinations is strictly prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Practical sessions are held in the computer laboratory and in the Clinical Skills Lab.

During the computer laboratory sessions, students use dedicated workstations to analyse and discuss normal radiographic and ultrasonographic images.

In the Clinical Skills Lab, students carry out practical exercises designed to acquire the correct patient positioning techniques using models for obtaining the main radiographic projections of the different anatomical regions.

Students experiencing difficulties in understanding the course material are welcome to arrange an individual meeting with the instructor by appointment via e-mail.

Office hours

See the website of Alessia Diana