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Unit of study_

ANAT3904: Cranial and Cervical Anatomy (Advanced)

This unit of study aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of the anatomy of the head and neck regions, with a particular emphasis on the functional anatomy of the cranial nerves. This unit of study covers skull, muscles of facial expression, muscles of jaw and neck, ear, eye, nose, oral cavity and larynx and pharynx as well as peripheral distribution of cranial nerves in the head and neck. The functional components of the cranial nerves and their relationship to the special senses and special motor functions such as facial gesture and speech are also studied. The practical sessions aim to provide students with the ability to recognise the structures studied in human prosections and in medical images especially X Rays and to know their main anatomical relationships. Students will also be encouraged to relate their understanding of these structures to current research in anatomy and histology and in related fields such as molecular biology and physiology. The course also aims to provide both theoretical and practical skills which can provide a basis for further studies in fields such as physiotherapy, chiropractic or forensic science or in post graduate medicine or dentistry or in areas of research requiring a knowledge of anatomy. Also further studies of anatomical features not covered in the mainstream course and of details of development of selected head and neck structures.

Code ANAT3904
Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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Corequisites:
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Prohibitions:
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Assumed knowledge:
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Human biology; (BIOL1008 or BIOL1908 or BIOL1998 or MEDS1001 or MEDS1901) or (BIOL1003 or BIOL1903 or BIOL1993)

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Identify structures within, and associated with, the head and neck regions on cadaveric specimens, models, images and medical CT imaging
  • LO2. Describe and identify the structure and function of the bones, joints, arterial supply, venous and lymphatic drainage of the head and neck
  • LO3. Describe the structure, function, course and distribution of the cranial nerves and neural mechanisms that innervate and supply the head and neck
  • LO4. Identify and describe the structure and function of the musculoskeletal anatomy of the face, orbit, ear, nasal cavity, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and cervical neck regions
  • LO5. Analyse and explain topographical and spatial relationships between structures in the head and neck
  • LO6. Formulate a research question and appraise current literature to understand the role of the anatomical features of the head and neck in an area of interest within medicine and health