Neuroanatomy - Theoretical TDNT 2220

Course description:

This course has as its base the functional anatomy of the human nervous system. The course is designed to introduce students to broad neuroscience concepts including: gross and microscopic organization of the central nervous system, principles of neural transmission, normal and pathological CNS functioning, nervous system development, evolution of the CNS and the neural basis of higher cortical functions. Also, nervous system structure, function and pathology are integrated, drawing on information and techniques from cellular, systems and clinical neuroscience.

Course Aims:

The aim of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of the structural organization of the human central nervous system in sufficient depth to form the basis for further clinical studies of the nervous system and to achieve an understanding of the significance of pathological changes in function resulting from lesions of the nervous system with more emphasis given to cranial nerves, many of which manifest themselves in the head and neck and oral cavity.

Course outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will: 
  • Have gained an overview of the topography and structural organization of the brain and spinal cord. 
  • Be able to describe the basic features of development of the nervous system and to understand how and why common malformations occur in the nervous system. 
  • Understand the ultrastructure of neurons and glial and the major cytoarchitectural features of the brain and spinal cord. 
  • Understand the principles of the brain stem structures and contents and to be able to deduce the localization of the cranial nerves nuclei in the brain stem.
  • Have a basic understanding of the anatomy and functions of cranial nerves and to be able to apply this knowledge to the clinical situation. 
  • Understand the principles of cerebral and cerebellar structures and to be able to recognize the localization of cerebral functions. 
  • Have a basic understanding of the functional anatomy of sensory and motor system and to be able to apply this knowledge to the clinical situation. 
  • Understand the principles of the blood supply and venous drainage of the nervous system and to be able to deduce the effects of rupture or occlusion of the major vessels.
  • Define in detail autonomic innervations of the head and neck and the CNS structures and pathways that relate to these innervations.