Course Description
DMSVTD 350 | Hepatic Ultrasound & Vasculature Total: 20 Hours | E-Lecture: 6 Hours | E-Lab: 6 Hours | On Site Lab: 8 Hours This course provides a focused introduction to liver anatomy and vascular assessment using diagnostic ultrasound. Students will learn to evaluate liver structure, tissue changes, and blood flow through key vessels, including the portal vein, hepatic vein, and hepatic artery. The curriculum covers common hepatic conditions such as steatosis, cirrhosis, tumors, and portal hypertension, while emphasizing the liver’s vital role in circulation, metabolism, and detoxification. Students learn the liver is not only the largest internal organ but also the largest gland in the body, with both exocrine and endocrine functions. Additional topics include the liver’s role in filtering toxins, processing heavy metals, and supporting immune activity. The course also introduces the role of GLP-1 and related metabolic pathways in liver health, linking ultrasound findings with emerging endocrine and metabolic insights. Foundational concepts in detoxification and toxicology are introduced, including the use of imaging alongside basic lab screenings such as urine dipsticks and rapid test kits. Hands-on scanning labs and case-based scenarios prepare students to perform and interpret meaningful hepatic ultrasound assessments.