Role of magnetic resonance imaging and cross sectional images in Neuroanatomy Course Syllabus

Radiology has been developing dramatically during the previous years. With enhancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), the role of the radiologic technologist has also been changing. Skills in cross-sectional anatomy are vital to assist the technologist in MRI and CT to identify the anatomy being imaged and to communicate effectively with the radiologist and physicians. Our study plan had two parts performing two methods (A and B). In the method of A which applied in the first half of the semester (8 weeks), our education was based on the lecture in which the lecturer used power point slides in a classroom and examined on the human body in an anatomy lab. In the method B which applied in the 2nd half of the semester (8 weeks), the education plan was based on the lecture, using power point slides, body examination and using MRI images from homemade software (Cross Sectional Anatomy of the Skull and Brain software; Tehran, Digital Medical Group, Iran). It seems that planning efficient methods for fast and simple learning, which are less dependence to memory and consolidation of learning in anatomy of nervous system is necessary in the academic educational system.