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Neuroanatomy - (NANL-601) (MIT): Course Content

Neuroanatomy is the study of the structure and organization of the nervous system, encompassing the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, and how these structures relate to function.

Course Outline

INTRODUCTION OF NERVOUS SYSTEM
 Central and peripheral nervous system
 Major division of the central nervous system
 Major division of the peripheral nervous system
THE CREREBRUM
 Sub divisions of the cerebrum
 Diencephalon
THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF THE NEURON AND THE NEUROGLIA
 Varieties of neuron
 Definitions of the neuron, structure of the neuron
 Definition of neuroglia (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, ependymal)
 Extracellular space
THE SPINAL CORD AND THE ASCENDING AND DESCENDING TRACTS
 Brief review of the vertebral column
 Gross appearance of the spinal cord  Structure of the spinal cord
 The ascending tracts of the spinal cord
 Functions of the ascending tracts
 Descending tracts of the spinal cord
 Functions of the descending tracts
 Corticospinal tract
 Tectospinal tract
 Rubrospinal tract
 Vestibulospinal tract
 Olivospinal tract
 Descending autonomic fibers
 Reflex arc
THE BRAIN STEM
 Review of the skull cranial cavity
 Introduction to the brain stem
 Gross appearance of the medulla oblangata
 Internal structures of medulla oblangata
 Gross appearance of the pons
 Internal structure of the pons
 Gross appearance of the mid brain
 Internal structure of the mid brain
THE CEREBELLUM AND ITS CONNECTIONS  Gross appearance of the cerebellum
 Structure of the cerebellum
 Cerebellar cortical mechanism
 Functions of the cerebellum
 General appearance of the cerebral hemisphere
 Main sulci, lobes of the cerebral hemisphere
THE BASAL NUCLEI
 Corpus striatm, Amagdala nucleus, Claustrum
 Connection of the corpus striatum and globus pallidus
 Connections of the corpus striatum
 Functions of the basal nuclei
THE THALAMUS AND ITS CONNECTIONS
 General appearance of the thalamus
 Subdivisions of the thalamus
 Connections of the thalamus
 Functions of the thalamus
MENINGES OF THE BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD
 Meninges of the brain
 Meninges of the spinal cord

Course Objectives

Course Learning Objectives:
 Identify and categorize the components of the nervous system, distinguishing between the central and peripheral nervous       systems, and their sub-divisions. (C1)
 Explain the anatomical regions of the human brain and their respective neural pathways, including the functions of each       region. (C2)
 Describe the anatomical structure of the spinal cord and its role in transmitting neural signals and maintaining bodily f          functions. (C2)
 Show appreciation for the critical functions of the spinal cord in coordinating sensory and motor pathways. (A3)

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