BMS2011

Structure of the human body

6 points · 3 lectures and one 3-hour practical or equivalent session per week · First semester · Clayton

Objectives The aim of this subject is to introduce students to the functional anatomy of the human body. This introductory subject will focus on functional systems such as the musculoskeletal, nervous, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems which are being studied in several other streams within this degree. Students will gain an appreciation of the gross and microscopic anatomy of tissues and organs within each functional system. Students will also gain an understanding of the embryology and histology of these functional body systems. At the completion of this subject, students will have a clear understanding of the functional anatomy of these systems.

Synopsis This subject focuses on the functional anatomy of the human body and the structure and function of cells, tissues and organ systems. The teaching of this subject will include the extensive use of MRI scans, pre-dissected anatomical specimens, computer-based learning, correlation classes and small group discussions. This subject will provide an introduction to human anatomy and histology, the concept of primary tissues, the embryology of the nervous, cardio-respiratory, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems. Practical histology classes will enable the students to undertake microscopic examinations of the organisation of cells and extracellular material in a range of tissues. Pre-dissected specimens of the nervous, cardio-respiratory, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems will be studied. Correlation classes will be held to compare and contrast the normal anatomy associated with these systems with that associated with common human diseases eg. cardiac infarction, stroke, brain tumours, cancer of the lung and colon.

Assessment Theory examination: 70% · Practical examination: 30%

Prescribed texts

Sauerland K K Grant's 'Dissector' 11th edn, Williams and Wilkins, 1994
Burkitt H G, Young B and Heath J W Wheater's 'Functional histology' 3rd edn, Churchill Livingstone, 1993
Marieb E. Human anatomy and physiology Addison-Wesley Longman, 4th edn, 1996

Back to the 1999 Medicine Handbook