AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding of the classification, organizational, functional characteristics and anatomical relationships of the structures that participate in forming the locomotor system with reference to the skeletal, muscular, articular systems and the nervous structures of the somatic motor compartment.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The educational objectives of the course “Nervous and Endocrine System Anatomy” are intended to provide students with 1) the acquisition of the knowledge necessary to understand the morpho-functional organization of the Nervous and Endocrine Systems, 2) the acquisition of the knowledge of the basic mechanisms by which the Nervous and Endocrine Systems perform their functions within the human organism and 3) the understanding of the basic mechanisms by which the Nervous System performs its function of receiving, integrating and processing signals. This knowledge forms the basis for understanding the various anatomo-clinical pictures resulting from damage to the Nervous and Endocrine Systems. The understanding and knowledge of the topics covered during the lectures will enable the student to further investigate specific topics in complete autonomy.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Musculoskeletal, Articular, and Vascular Systems of the Head and Limbs
 
BONE SKELETON
Detailed structure of the neurocranium, the bones that compose it (frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, occipital, parietal, temporal), and the identifiable spaces within it. Openings, canals, and fissures that allow communication between the neurocranium, the orbital cavities, the oral cavity, the nasal cavities, and the temporal, infratemporal, and pterygopalatine fossae. 
 
Structure of the upper limb skeleton: clavicle, scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, and the bones forming the carpus, metacarpus, and phalanges.
Structure of the lower limb skeleton: hip bones, the pelvis as a whole, femur, patella, tibia, fibula, and the bones forming the tarsus, metatarsus, and phalanges.

JOINTS
Joints of the neurocranium: description of the joints that connect the bones of the neurocranium. 
Joints of the upper limb: sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, elbow, distal radioulnar, and joints of the hand.
Joints of the lower limb: joints of the pelvis, hip, knee, proximal and distal tibiofibular joints, and joints of the foot.
 
MUSCLES 
Origin, insertion, and action of:
muscles of the head: overview of the muscles of the cranial vault, facial muscles, and masticatory muscles;
trunk muscles: thoracic and spinopelvic muscles;
upper limb muscles: muscles of the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand; fasciae of the upper limb;
lower limb muscles: muscles of the hip, thigh, leg, and foot.

Organization of the Major Fascial Structures of the Human Body.

VASCULAR STRUCTURES
Arterial and venous vascular organization of the neurocranium: internal carotid artery and its branches, vertebral arteries and their branches, venous drainage of the neurocranium, organization of the venous sinuses of the cranial vault and base, internal jugular vein.
Arterial and venous organization of the upper limb: subclavian artery and its branches, organization of superficial and deep venous drainage.
Lymphatic drainage of the upper limb.
Arterial and venous organization of the lower limb: femoral artery and its branches, organization of superficial and deep venous drainage.
Lymphatic drainage of the lower limb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a first part, which is a written preliminary screening test; passing this test grants access to the second part of the exam, which is an oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment procedures include an initial written exam covering the entire course material covered in class. Passing the written exam grants access to the oral exam. During the oral exam, the student’s communication skills will be evaluated; through these, the student must demonstrate knowledge of the various structures of the nervous system and the musculoskeletal, articular, and vascular systems of the head and limbs covered in class, as well as an understanding of their anatomical and functional relationships.

Pursuant to L.170/10 “New Regulations on Specific Learning Disorders in Schools”, support services are in place for students with Specific Learning Disorders (SAD), disabilities or other educational needs, through the “Support Services Sector for disabilities and for students with SAD”. These students are encouraged to contact the lecturer and the School's disability contact person, Prof. Nicola Girtler (nicolagirtler@unige.it), at the beginning of the course to agree on possible teaching modalities that, while respecting the objectives of the course, take into account individual learning patterns.