Title: SonoSim Prostate Anatomy &

Physiology
Instructions: Open SonoSim on your computer and click SonoSim courses
from the main page. This will open a new window. Select and complete the
appropriate course (based on the above title). Note that some information
presented in the SonoSim courses is review and/or outside the scope of the GER
course. Complete each online course in its entirety, but use the course video study
guide below to focus your studying. Once you complete the course video, make sure
to view any of the SonoSimulator cases described below (note: not all courses
have relevant cases).

Objectives:
1. Review the anatomy, blood supply and anatomical relationships
(relative to other organs and structures) of the prostate.

a.
2. List the uses of ultrasound of the prostate.
a. Endorectal ultrasound provides superior image views relative to a
transabdominal approach
b. Image the prostate from its base to its apex in orthogonal planes
c. Screen for masses, echogenicity, symmetry, and continuity of
margins
d. Adhere to high-level disinfection practices following each probe
use
e. Prostate scanning techniques are dependent upon the type of
transducer one uses
3. Review the contribution of the prostate to ejaculation.
a. Seminal fluid secretion
i. Alkaline buffers
 b. Limits urine output during ejaculation
4. Describe the utility of color doppler during imaging of the prostate
a. Prostate cancers have a higher microvasculature density as
compared to normal prostate tissue. Color and power Doppler
sonography is often used to select potential sites for biopsy
during prostate cancer evaluation. These areas of increased flow
can be detected with color and power Doppler imaging.
5. Appreciate the propensity for pathologies to arise in certain zones of

the prostate
a. Peripheral over 70% of prostate cancer
b. Central
c. Transitional beign prostatic hyperplasia
d. Periurethral

Structure identification: Be able to identify the following structures on a

sonogram. Note these during the course video and review them using the cases and
locations indicated below from the SonoSimulator.
Organs: Prostate gland, bladder, rectum, urethra, ejaculatory ducts (via transrectal
US)
 Transverse
endorectal
Cases to review in SonoSimulator:
SonoSimulator Case list Genitourinary Basic Prostate Case 1
(transabdominal) All points
 Study guide for course video:
Introduction
What is the current most common imaging modality for the gastrointestinal
system?
Anatomy
What anatomic structures regulate the flow of contents from one part of the
GI tract to another?
What vertebral level does the esophagus begin?
Name the order of GI organs encountered starting in the mouth and ending
at the anus.
Physiology

Sonographic Anatomy

Sonographic Technique