RMD - 516 Central Nervous System and Head and Neck

This course integrates information and topics between Anatomy, Histology, Neurology and Neurobiology. Neurology and Neurobiology topics will draw on knowledge in the traditional domains of physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical Neurology. This block is a survey of the Nervous system with highlights of the pertinent head and neck gross anatomy. The block integrates the structure, function, and organization of nervous tissue from the cellular through gross anatomic aspects including central, peripheral and autonomic portions of the system. The lead cases for this block are headache and weakness. Beyond an understanding of the normal structure and function of these systems, students will study the development and growth of these components as well as the changes noted in maturation and ageing processes within these systems. Control mechanisms will be considered as the study during this block moves into the specific clinical scenarios. The basic knowledge of the structure and function of the components of the nervous system will then be applied to the abnormal functions that are the basis for disorders and diseases of this system. The block objectives below were developed by the faculty and represent the content of this block. Individual learning objectives for each lecture as well as for the lab and small group sessions are contained within the educational materials for these sessions. In order to successfully complete this block, students should be able to: review aspects of neuronal structure and function presented in other blocks and describe aspects of PNS and CNS microstructure; explain basic cellular physiologic mechanisms of resting potential, nerve conduction, synaptic function and actions of the major neurotransmitters; describe the topographic anatomy of the brain and brainstem emphasizing regional functions and blood supply: including cranial nerve origin and peripheral distribution; describe the anatomy and function of the spinal cord and brainstem; describe the anatomy and function of each of the major neural systems as noted in the block guide; correlate the flow of information with the anatomical structure in each major neural system as noted in the block guide; explain the anatomical, electrophysiological and neurological basis for higher order neurobehavioral functions, noting how each of these might be evaluated in a clinical setting; correlate localization of focal, multifocal or disseminated lesions with the appropriate signs and symptoms and neurologic testing methods; describe the nature of pathophysiologic lesions in the peripheral and central nervous systems; correlate dysfunction with a specific neural system and the lesion location; identify structures in the head and neck and correlate their function in normal and clinical scenarios as discussed in lecture and lab; describe diseases of the central nervous system that localize to the cortex, subcortical region, brainstem, and spinal cord as discussed in lecture and workshops in this block. Required Credit Hours: (1)