Course Syllabus

Course Title:

Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology: Foundations for Medical Imaging and Disease Identification

This educational activity is approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for 24 Category A continuing education credits. It is designed to meet the CE requirements for radiologic technologists and other medical imaging professionals seeking to maintain ARRT© certification and state licensure.

To successfully complete this course and receive an ARRT© recognized Certificate of Completion, participants must:

Complete all course content.
Achieve a minimum score of 75% on the final examination.
Submit the required course evaluation.

Learners are allowed up to three (3) attempts to pass the final examination. If the minimum passing score is not obtained after three attempts, re-enrollment in the course will be required to gain additional exam access.

Course Developer: Michael Ramos, ARRT Registered Radiographer, B.S. in Health Service Administration, M.B.A. in Healthcare Management

Professional Background: With over 15 years of experience in the radiology field, Michael Ramos is a registered radiographer certified by the ARRT©. A graduate of City Tech College with a bachelor’s in health service administration and an MBA in Healthcare Management from St. Joseph’s College, Michael brings extensive expertise in advanced radiologic practices and healthcare management. He is currently employed at the prestigious Hospital for Special Surgery, where he continues to contribute to high standards of patient care and radiation safety.

Contact Information: [[email protected]]

Course Description

This course is delivered as a self-learning activity through an online Learning Management System (LMS).

Learners may choose from two methods for completing the final exam:

Online Submission – Students can complete the embedded final examination using a Google Forms–style quiz directly within the LMS. All exam responses are recorded and documented in compliance with ARRT requirements, including student identification, time stamping, and scoring. Complete the Final Exam Online via the Learning Management System (LMS) – As an embedded Google Forms link within the course content
Email Submission – Alternatively, students may submit their answers via email to Radseek Education at [email protected] for grading and documentation.

Note: The final exam must be completed using the designated online exam link(s). Manual submissions (such as emailing your answers) are only permitted upon request and must receive prior approval. Acceptable reasons for requesting a manual submission include technical issues with the website, though other circumstances may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Both formats are designed to maintain accurate exam records and verification of completion in accordance with ARRT© continuing education standards. Optional supplemental videos may be provided within the LMS to enhance learner engagement. These materials are not required for course completion or final assessment and are not part of the CE credit calculation.

It is structured into 10 comprehensive chapters, each focusing on key topics in musculoskeletal anatomy, pathology, and imaging. Participants will progress through the course independently at their own pace. At the conclusion of the course, learners are required to complete a 192-question multiple-choice final examination.

Regardless of the method selected, all final exam submissions will be reviewed and documented in compliance with ARRT© continuing education requirements. A certificate of completion will be issued to students who meet the minimum passing score of 75%.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the human skeletal system, musculoskeletal disorders, and imaging techniques used in radiology. The content integrates anatomy, physiology, pathology, and radiologic assessment of both adult and pediatric populations. Emphasis is placed on common diseases, trauma, degenerative and inflammatory conditions, tumors, and pediatric musculoskeletal disorders. The course is designed to strengthen the imaging professional’s understanding of musculoskeletal structure, function, injury, and pathology as it applies to clinical radiologic practice.

Throughout this course, learners will be presented with side-by-side imaging comparisons of normal anatomy and abnormal pathology. These visual comparisons are integrated into various chapters to enhance the understanding of how disease processes appear across different imaging modalities, including radiography, MRI, CT, and ultrasound.

By reviewing a variety of realistic imaging scenarios, participants will develop the ability to:

Distinguish normal anatomical structures from pathological findings.
Recognize imaging patterns associated with common and complex musculoskeletal conditions.
Apply imaging principles to differentiate between disease processes in clinical practice.

This case-based approach provides valuable context and promotes critical thinking to improve the learner's ability to correlate imaging findings with pathological conditions encountered in real-world radiologic practice.

To reinforce learning and improve comprehension, this course incorporates Key Takeaways at the conclusion of major sections, summarizing essential points and concepts to ensure learners retain critical information. Each chapter also features summary sections designed to organize and highlight the most important content for quick review and reference.

To further enhance the learning experience, the course includes:

Tables, charts, and diagrams that visually organize complex information.
Comparison charts to differentiate normal vs. abnormal findings.
Anatomical illustrations to support spatial understanding.
Summary tables to simplify classification systems, imaging findings, and pathology patterns.

These learning tools are designed to assist students and technologists in consolidating knowledge and applying it confidently in clinical and exam settings.

Target Audience

Radiologic Technologists, MRI Technologists, CT Technologists, Radiology Students, and Imaging Professionals seeking continuing education in musculoskeletal imaging.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Describe the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal system, joints, and the nervous system.
Identify and describe common musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.
Differentiate between traumatic and non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders.
Interpret imaging appearances of common musculoskeletal pathologies.
Evaluate pediatric musculoskeletal disorders and differentiate them from normal developmental variants.
Apply knowledge of imaging modalities to musculoskeletal disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Recognize the radiologist’s role in interdisciplinary management of musculoskeletal conditions.

Course Chapters and Learning Objectives

Chapter 1 - Bone Tissue and the Skeletal System

Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, you will be able to:

List and describe the functions of bones
Describe the classes of bones
Discuss the process of bone formation and development
Explain how bone repairs itself after a fracture
Discuss the effect of exercise, nutrition, and hormones on bone tissue
Describe how an imbalance of calcium can affect bone tissue

Section 1 - The Functions of the Skeletal System

Section 2 - Bone Classification

Section 3 - Bone Structure

Section 4 - Bone Formation and Development

Section 5 - Fractures: Bone Repair

Section 6 - Exercise, Nutrition, Hormones, Bone Tissue

Section 7 - Calcium Homeostasis: Skeletal System and Organ Systems

Chapter 2 - Axial Skeleton

Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, you will be able to:

Describe the functions of the skeletal system and define its two major subdivisions
Identify the bones and bony structures of the skull, the cranial suture lines, the cranial fossae, and the openings in the skull
Discuss the vertebral column and regional variations in its bony components and curvatures
Describe the components of the thoracic cage
Discuss the embryonic development of the axial skeleton

Section 8 - Divisions of the Skeletal System

Section 9 - The Skull

Section 10 - The Vertebral Column

Section 11 - The Thoracic Cage

Section 12 - Embryonic Development of the Axial Skeleton

Chapter 3 - The Appendicular Skeleton

Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, you will be able to:

Discuss the bones of the pectoral and pelvic girdles, and describe how these unite the limbs with the axial skeleton
Describe the bones of the upper limb, including the bones of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand
Identify the features of the pelvis and explain how these differ between the adult male and female pelvis
Describe the bones of the lower limb, including the bones of the thigh, leg, ankle, and foot
Describe the embryonic formation and growth of the limb bones

Section 13 - The Pectoral Girdle

Section 14 - Bones of the Upper Limb

Section 15 - The Pelvic Girdle and Pelvis

Section 16 - Bones of the Lower Limb

Chapter 4 - Joints

Learning Objectives

After this chapter, you will be able to:

Discuss both functional and structural classifications for body joints
Describe the characteristic features for fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints and give examples of each
Define and identify the different body movements
Discuss the structure of specific body joints and the movements allowed by each
Explain the development of body joints

Section 17 - Classification of Joints

Section 18 - Fibrous Joints

Section 19 - Cartilaginous joints

Section 20 - Synovial Joints

Section 21 - Types of Body Movements

Section 22 - Anatomy of Selected Synovial Joints

Section 23 - Development of Joints

Chapter 5 - Anatomy of the Nervous System

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

Name the major regions of the adult brain
Describe the connections between the cerebrum and brain stem through the diencephalon, and from those regions into the spinal cord
Recognize the complex connections within the subcortical structures of the basal nuclei
Explain the arrangement of gray and white matter in the spinal cord

Section 24 - The Central Nervous System

Chapter 6 - Traumatic Neuroemergency

Learning Objectives

Gain an understanding of how imaging is used in the emergency assessment of central nervous system (CNS) trauma.
Recognize the key differences between CNS injuries that require surgery and those that can be managed without surgical intervention in trauma cases.
Explore how MRI and CT compare when it comes to evaluating traumatic brain injuries.

Section 25 - Emergency Assessment of Central Nervous System

Section 26 - CNS Injuries

Section 27 - MRI and CT Evaluating Traumatic Brain Injuries

Chapter 7 - Radiology in Rheumatology

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

Recognize the various radiological modalities used in diagnosing different rheumatologic disorders and understand when each should be applied.
Highlight the significance of early radiological detection in identifying infectious arthritis.
Explain the radiologist’s role in preventing long-term disabilities associated with rheumatologic conditions.
Accurately interpret musculoskeletal imaging across different radiological modalities.

Section 28 - Modalities used in Diagnosing Rheumatology Disorders

Section 29 - Early Radiological Detection in Infectious Arthritis

Section 30 - Musculoskeletal Imaging Across Different Radiological Modalities

Chapter 8 - Metabolic Endocrine

Learning Objectives:

Learn how bone marrow normally appears on imaging and how it can change in metabolic and hormonal disorders.
Understand where medical imaging may fall short in detecting certain metabolic bone conditions.
Recognize the key imaging features linked to symptoms and complications that can develop from metabolic bone disorders.

Section 31 - Bone Marrow and Changes in Metabolic Hormonal Disorders

Section 32 - Medical Imaging in Detecting Certain Metabolic Bone Conditions

Section 33 - Symptoms and Complication developed from Metabolic Bone Disorders

Chapter 9 - Specialty Musculoskeletal Diseases Part 1

Section 34 - Shoulder: Instability

Learning Objectives

Identify the different types of glenohumeral instability and the anatomical factors that contribute to its development.
Gain an understanding of the glenoid track and how it relates to an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion.
Learn to recognize MRI characteristics of various labral injuries, including SLAP tears, overhead thrower labral tears, and labral tears associated with spino-glenoid notch cysts.
Develop the ability to differentiate labral tears from normal labral variants in imaging.

Section 35 - Rotator Cuff

Learning Objectives:

Go over updated anatomical insights related to the rotator cuff.
Understand the distinct features of the anterior rotator cuff, including the subscapularis, and the posterior rotator cuff, including the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, especially in the context of partial, full-thickness, and massive tears.
Identify key differential diagnoses to consider when reviewing MRI requests for patients with shoulder pain.
Learn how to create structured and informative reports, focusing on the essential details needed to support clinical decision-making.

Section 36 - Elbow Imaging with an Emphasis on MRI

Learning Objectives:

Go over the common challenges that come with MRI of the elbow and learn practical ways to improve imaging protocols for better clarity and accuracy.
Refresh my understanding of the bony and soft tissue structures that make up the elbow joint.
Recognize how the most frequent elbow pathologies appear on MRI, so I can better identify and interpret them during routine imaging.

Section 38 - Imaging of the Hip

Learning Objectives:

Get familiar with the different bone-related conditions that can affect the hip joint.
Learn how to recognize the key imaging features that help identify various types of hip impingement.
Understand the common patterns of damage that occur inside the hip joint.

Section 39 - Pelvis and Groin

Learning Objectives:

Front of the pelvis (groin region): Understand how to evaluate groin pain in athletes, including common injury patterns, the right imaging tools to use, and updated terminology.
Side of the pelvis (lateral hip): Learn the important anatomy and imaging features related to abductor tendon issues and proximal iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome.
Bottom of the pelvis (ischial region): Review key anatomy and imaging findings tied to hamstring injuries and ischiofemoral impingement.
Back of the pelvis (sacrum and coccyx): Get familiar with the anatomy and imaging signs of injuries involving the sacrum and tailbone.

Chapter 10 - Speciality Musculoskeletal Diseases Part 2

Section 40 - Knee

Learning Objectives

Understand what normal knee anatomy looks like on imaging.
Identify common injuries and abnormalities in the key structures of the knee.
Develop the ability to interpret and diagnose knee issues using MRI.

Section 41 - Postoperative Knee and Shoulder

Learning Objectives

Understand how to recognize both normal healing patterns and abnormal findings on postoperative knee MRI.
Become familiar with typical and atypical postoperative shoulder MRI appearances to differentiate between expected surgical changes and potential complications.

Section 42 - Adult Tumor of Soft Tissue, Bone, and Bone Marrow

Learning Objectives:

Understand what information doctors are looking for when ordering imaging studies for soft tissue, bone, and bone marrow tumors.
Learn how specific imaging features of tumors help guide diagnosis, determine the stage of disease, and influence treatment planning.
Review examples of structured report templates that support clear and thorough communication of imaging findings related to these types of tumors.

Section 43 - Ankle and Foot

Learning Objectives:

Gain a strong understanding of the detailed anatomy of the ankle and foot to accurately interpret imaging studies.
Become familiar with key conditions and injuries commonly seen in the ankle and foot.

Section 44 - Spine Trauma

Learning Objectives:

Understand the most common and significant types of traumatic spinal injuries, with a focus on how different types of trauma affect various parts of the spine.
Learn how these spinal injuries typically appear on imaging studies, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
Get familiar with the key classification systems orthopedic and neurosurgeons use to categorize spinal trauma and guide treatment decisions.

Section 45 - Spine Degeneration and Inflammation

Learning Objectives:

Gain a clear understanding of how degenerative spine conditions develop and how they appear on imaging studies.
Learn how inflammatory spine diseases form and how they show up on imaging.
Be able to distinguish between inflammatory and degenerative spinal conditions when forming a differential diagnosis.

Section 46 - Sports Related Injuries of the Pediatric Musculoskeletal

Learning Objectives

To identify common musculoskeletal injuries seen in children and adolescents, particularly those related to sports and physical activity.
To understand how to distinguish between these injuries and imaging findings that are simply part of normal growth and skeletal development.

Section 47 - Non-traumatic Musculoskeletal Diseases in Children

Learning Objectives

Understand the key differences between the musculoskeletal systems of children and adults.
Learn how these developmental differences influence how musculoskeletal conditions show up both clinically and on imaging in pediatric patients.
Explore the most effective imaging approaches for diagnosing specific musculoskeletal disorders in children.

Estimated Completion Time:

This self-directed learning activity is estimated to require approximately 24 hours to complete. This estimate accounts for the time needed to thoroughly review the instructional content across 10 comprehensive chapters, study associated case studies, analyze normal and abnormal imaging comparisons, review key takeaways and summary charts, and complete the 192-question multiple-choice final examination.

Learners may proceed through the course at their own pace. Actual completion time may vary depending on individual learning styles, familiarity with the subject matter, and the time devoted to studying and reviewing supplemental materials.

Course Policies:

This course is delivered as a self-paced learning activity, allowing you to progress through the material at your own convenience.
Learners will have 12 months from the date of enrollment to complete all course content and successfully pass the final exam. The course is designed to be comfortably completed within this time frame, offering flexibility while promoting timely completion of continuing education requirements.
If additional time is needed, learners may request a course extension by contacting us via email at [email protected].
Technical support is available for any course-related questions, including content access, exam issues, or certificate requests. Please reach out by email for prompt assistance.

Upon successful completion of all course requirements, including passing the final examination and submitting the optional evaluation, learners will receive an official Certificate of Completion. Certificates will be generated automatically through the Learning Management System (LMS) and will also be available to learners via email in PDF format for their records and continuing education documentation.

At the conclusion of the course, students will have the option to complete a brief course evaluation to provide feedback on the learning experience. Participation in the course evaluation is optional and does not affect course completion or CE credit eligibility.

The course evaluation may be accessed in one of the following ways:

Downloadable PDF Format – Students may download the evaluation form, complete it manually, and submit it via email to [email protected].
Online Submission via Teachable – Students may choose to complete the evaluation directly within the Teachable platform, either through:

- An embedded Google Forms link, or
- A feedback form presented within the LMS lesson content.

Feedback gathered through these evaluations will be used to improve course content, structure, and delivery for future learners.

Copyright and Usage Statement
The arrangement, structure, original questions, case studies, summaries, and supplemental materials contained in this course are the intellectual property of Radseek and are protected under copyright law.

Portions of this course incorporate material from open-access or Creative Commons licensed educational resources, which are properly attributed within the course where applicable.

This course and all accompanying materials are the intellectual property of Radseek Education. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations used in reviews or scholarly work with proper attribution.

Unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

For permissions or licensing inquiries, contact:
[email protected]

Image Credits: Select images in this course were used under license from Canva Pro, Openstax, Creative Commons and Library Open Access.

Educational References: Portions of this course are informed by publicly available and open-access educational sources, properly cited throughout.

Disclaimer:
This course is intended solely for educational purposes and is designed for radiologic technologists, medical imaging professionals, and other licensed healthcare providers seeking continuing education. The content presented herein does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, clinical interpretation, or treatment guidance.

All participants are responsible for applying the information in accordance with their professional scope of practice, certification standards, and institutional protocols. Radseek Education does not guarantee that completion of this course satisfies individual licensing or credentialing requirements beyond those granted by approved CE providers such as the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

Always consult appropriate medical authorities or regulatory bodies, including the ARRT©, state licensing boards, or institutional supervisors, before making any clinical or patient-care decisions.

Radseek Education disclaims liability for any direct or indirect loss, injury, or damage resulting from the use of information contained in this course.

Confidentiality & Ethical Use Disclaimer:
All patient cases, imaging examples, or clinical references included in this course are either fictional, anonymized, or used with proper permissions for educational purposes. Radseek Education is committed to upholding the ethical standards outlined by the ARRT© and ASRT, including the protection of patient confidentiality in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Learners are reminded to adhere to professional ethical standards, maintain patient privacy, and apply course content responsibly within their scope of practice and institutional guidelines.

This document is copyright protected. No part of this course may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of RadSeek Education.

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