Medtech + Art - Week 4

MedTech + Art

Week 4

Josh Woods

Egyptian Anatomy

Art has been a part of medicine for centuries since the times of ancient Egypt. Before the technological advances we have now, doctors and scientists had to perform human dissections to learn about the anatomy of the human body. Drawing was the only method to retain the images of these studies. This made these doctors and scientists types of artist as they were creating portraits of the human body. Without these precise sketches no medical advancements could be made in those times. 

With the new and still improving technology we have today, the visuals and knowledge of the human body have improved significantly. we are able to see the structure and anatomy of our insides without having to be cut up, for the most part. We now have X-rays, MRI, and Cat scan. In the reading " Magnetic Resonance Imaging as mirror and portrait: MRI Configurations between Science and Art by Silvia Casini, she provides accurate details of what the MRI can provide for doctors. MRI's " functions as a acoustic mirror and portrait bearing a “look” and capable of “looking back” at the onlooker" according to Silvia. This means that with the help of MRI's individuals are able to look at a picture of themselves internally, specifically for the brain. Along with MRI'S, X-Rays and cat scans introduce a new type of art that relates with technology and medicine.

X-ray of my right hand

I so happened to have to get an X-ray about a week ago. During football practice, I started to realize that I couldn't close my right hand. Immediately after practice, I went to the trainers and they had me go to the Reagan Center to get an; x-ray in the next hour. Within the next two hours, i was back in the training room looking at the image of my hand to learn that I had a fracture. The diagram above is not just my hand but medical art.

Citations: 

"Ancient Egyptian Anatomical Studies." America Pink. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2016. <http://america.pink/ancient-egyptian-anatomical-studies_382312.html>.

Casini, Silvia. “Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as Mirror and Portrait: MRI Configurations Between Science and Arts.” (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 26 Oct. 2012.

Coyne, Kristen. "MRI: A Guided Tour - MagLab." MRI: A Guided Tour - MagLab. N.p., 8 Jan. 2015. Web. 24 Apr. 2016. <https://nationalmaglab.org/education/magnet-academy/learn-the-basics/stories/mri-a-guided-tour>.

Glatter, Robert, MD. "Can Studying Art Help Medical Students Become Better Doctors?" Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 20 Oct. 2013. Web. 24 Apr. 2016. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2013/10/20/can-studying-art-help-medical-students-become-better-doctors/#60573a061b3f>.

ViaChristiHealth. "What Is Getting an MRI Like?" YouTube. YouTube, 27 Apr. 2012. Web. 24 Apr. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZTXa4qerI4>.