Musculoskeletal Anatomy

The major topics in the course include the following:

1. Overview of the musculoskeletal system

1.1 Histology of bone, muscle, cartilage, and fibrous connective tissues

1.2 Axial and appendicular skeleton

1.3 Joints: classification and accessory structures (ligaments, menisci, bursae) 

1.4 Muscles of the axial and appendicular skeleton

1.4.1 Principle of muscular antagonism

1.4.2 Functions

1.4.3 Origins and insertions

1.4.4 Prime movers for various actions

2. Neuroanatomy

2.1 General organization of the human nervous system

2.2 Central motor systems: main motor pathways, cerebellum and basal ganglia

2.3 Peripheral nervous system: cranial nerves, spinal nerves and nerve plexuses

2.4 Somatosensory systems

3. Vascular anatomy

3.1 Blood vessel structure: arteries, veins and capillaries

3.2 Circulatory pathways: principal arteries and veins

4. Regional musculoskeletal anatomy (including surface markings)

4.1 Head and neck

4.2 Trunk: thorax, abdomen and pelvis

4.3 Upper extremity

4.4 Lower extremity

5. Laboratory activities

5.1 Microscopic examination of musculoskeletal, nervous and vascular tissues

5.2 Animal dissections for the identification of musculoskeletal, nervous and vascular structures

5.3 Visual inspection and palpation of surface anatomical markings on self and peers

5.4 Identification of musculoskeletal structures in anatomical models and/or plastinated specimens

5.5 Functional integration of the musculoskeletal and the nervous systems in the execution of specific motor actions, gait and balance