Course overview
This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the gross anatomy, function and integration of the neuro-musculoskeletal system, with an emphasis on clinical problem solving related to common injuries and movement dysfunction. Syllabus content will include advanced regional and sectional anatomy of the upper and lower limbs, vertebral column, diaphragm and abdominopelvic structures, and the head/neck with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal system (osteology and arthrology), relevant parts of the nervous system and vasculature. Students will learn how to recognise major neural plexuses and peripheral nerves and their innervation to muscle groups and skin, and consequently be able to identify the impact of injury on motor and sensory function. The effects of growth and development, maturation and ageing on the musculoskeletal system will also be studied. In addition, advanced functional aspects of joint anatomy and common pathological manifestations will be discussed for select anatomical regions. Teaching sessions will be delivered using a blended-learning approach; content delivered using a combination of didactic and online lectures, and contextualised learning enforced in weekly practical resource sessions, the latter using prosected human material, anatomical models and medical images (MSCT, MRI, conventional radiography and ultrasound) to promote deep learning.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify and annotate skeletal structures of the axial and appendicular skeleton, including landmarks of muscle attachment, and describe the type, structure and function of bones.
- Describe the detailed anatomy of the muscular, nervous systems and vasculature of the upper and lower extremities, vertebral column and head and neck, on human cadaveric specimens, digital resources and medical images.
- Relate the biomechanics and anatomical constituents (e.g. concentric functions of muscles), at the micro and macro levels of organisation, to growth and development, human movement and mechanisms of injury and disease.
- Differentiate types of joints and their macroscopic anatomy, including major ligaments, connective tissue structures and bursae; explain and recognise high-incidence joint injury and pathology on principal imaging modalities
- Summarize the regional and compartmental innervation of major nerve plexuses; and describe the causes, functional changes in movement and clinical assessment associated with lesions and plexopathies.
- Reduce a complex functional problem to basic principles and explain the mechanism of the problem using lay person and appropriate anatomical terminology by working in small groups.