METM09 workshop

Anatomy of the thorax: basic concepts in anatomy, through the special case of the thorax

The terminology used by clinicians to describe the anatomical features they are referring to can be confusing, especially if non-experts in the field are unfamiliar with the sequential way anatomists order what they see. An understanding of the standard approach to anatomy, a knowledge of the basic anatomy of the body by systems or regions, and an awareness of the functional relationships between these systems are essential in order to understand the concepts described in medical texts; this will help to achieve an accurate translation.

We will introduce these concepts, using the case of thoracic anatomy for the clear functional relationships of the three systems it comprises: the chest wall, the respiratory apparatus, and the heart.

Special problems that arise in the language used to described diagnostic images will also be mentioned.

Developer/Facilitator: , MD

Description: The workshop will be divided into three sections: 1) Basic anatomical concepts and terminology; 2) Gross and functional anatomy of the chest wall, respiratory system, and heart; 3) Imaging studies and functional tests: x-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound/echo-Doppler, spirometry, and electrocardiograms.

Translation and editing examples will be worked into the presentation, and anatomy resources available in print and on the web will be assessed.

Who should attend?: Translators and text editors with either a keen or tentative interest in medical translation will benefit from an understanding of the basic concepts of anatomy and will acquire a greater specific knowledge of the anatomy of the chest, with a particular focus on function.

Outcome skills:
Participants will

  • Understand how to refer to organs and structures and their relative positions in anatomy and imaging
  • Become aware of the -œsystems- organization of anatomy and how different systems interact in the same region.
  • Be equipped for more efficient online research to solve language-related anatomy problems.

Pre-meeting information:

  • There is a very interesting introduction to anatomy written by Dr. D. R. Johnson from the Centre for Human Biology at Leeds University (UK). This site also has brief descriptions of the respiratory system and circulatory system.
  • Participants are encouraged to bring examples of difficulties they've encountered in the translation of anatomical or functional concepts relating to the heart and lungs. They are also welcome to send their examples to the facilitator beforehand in order for a more detailed response to be prepared than might be feasible during the workshop itself.

About the facilitator: Philip Bazire is a surgeon with training both in England and in Spain and has worked as a medical translator since 1998.