(in Polish) Human Neuroanatomy

The focus of this course is the study of the structure of the human brain

and spinal cord and the functional organization of the central nervous

system. This course will use interactive digital atlases to illustrate the

gross anatomy of the central nervous system and the organization of the

major neural systems underlying sensory, motor and cognitive function.

In addition, the course will entail a hands-on approach to the study of the

human brain in order to supplement textbook learning; more specifically,

human brain models will be examined. Readings from Nolte’s Human

Brain, by Vanderah & Gould, Elsevier, 7th edition, 2016 will provide

essential reference for learning the functional anatomy of the human

nervous system.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive

overview of the field of neuroanatomy, that will serve as a solid

foundation for future study. We will explore how the nervous system

functions under conditions of normal health, as well conditions of disease.

The course will start with an overview of the central and peripheral

nervous systems (CNS and PNS), the development of their structure and

major divisions. The major functional components of the CNS will then be

reviewed individually. Topography, functional distribution of nerve cell

bodies, ascending and descending tracts in the spinal cord. Brainstem

organization and functional components, including cranial nerve nuclei,

ascending / descending pathways, amine-containing cells. Functional

divisions of the Diencephalon and Telencephalon. The course will then

continue with how these various CNS pieces and parts work together.

Motor systems, motor neurons and motor units, medial and lateral

pathways, cortical versus subcortical (basal ganglia) systems and their

functional integration. The sensory systems, visual, auditory and

somatosensory. To conclude, functional organization and information

flow in the neocortex will be discussed.

Textbook: Nolte's the human brain : an introduction to its functional

anatomy by Todd W. Vanderah, Douglas J. Gould, Elsevier, 7th edition,

2016

At the completion of this course the student will:

1. Demonstrate the major embryological subdivision of the central

nervous system as seen on the surface of the human forebrain,

hindbrain and spinal cord.

2. Describe the four lobes of the cerebral hemispheres and the

neuroanatomical landmarks that define their boundaries in the

human brain.

3. Identify major gyral and sulcal formations of the human cerebral

cortex.

4. Discuss the major functions that are localized in a clinically significant

fashion to each of the four lobes of the cerebral hemispheres of the

human brain.

5. Trace out the major vessels that supply the anterior and posterior

arterial circulation to the forebrain, hindbrain and spinal cord,

including the means by which venous blood and cerebrospinal fluid is

drained out of the brain.

6. Identify internal components of the central nervous system in crosssectional

preparations and models, including ventricular spaces,

major white matter structures and deep gray matter structures.

7. Describe the organization of the major ascending and descending

tracts of the brain and spinal cord, including neural systems for pain

and temperature sensation, touch and pressure sensation, motor

control, and vision.

8. Describe the location and function of the major neuroanatomical

structures in brain stem, diencephalon, basal ganglia and cortex.

9. Discuss the functional impairments associated with injury or disease

affected major sensory and motor structures in the forebrain,

hindbrain and spinal cord.

10. Discuss the functional impairments associated with injury or disease

affected major cognitive systems in the forebrain and hindbrain.

Final Grade Determination will be done as follows:

1. Readiness assessments - 40% of the grade

2. Final exam - 60% of the grade

Readiness assessments.

Each student should come to class having prepared for the day’s session

activities. Readiness Assessments (RA) are designed to encourage you to

meet this expectation. RAs will sample your knowledge of core,

foundational content which, through required textbook readings, on-line

handouts, and other educational materials, you will be expected to study

outside of the classroom.

You should expect a Readiness Assessment at the onset of each course

session (not including the first class/lecture). During scheduled lectures,

you will take these assessments as a team (called a group Readiness

Assessment; gRA). gRAs will typically comprise 7-10 questions.

Students will be assigned to groups (two or students per group,

depending on the number of students in the course) during the first class.

No changes in group assignment will be allowed after the first lab.

Each RA session will last, on average, about 10-15 minutes in lecture

classes. This will include facilitated discussion among teams as well as

clarifying input from your course instructors. During each RA session, all

questions are to be completed without the aid of any external sources

(i.e., closed book and closed internet). As a significant percentage of your

score on each assessment will be determined by your team’s

performance, you have a strong incentive to work together effectively as

a team both in and out of the classroom setting.

The Final Exam.

The final examination will be comprised of open questions and brain

images’ labeling, as well as matching the terms and definitions and filling

out the blanks.

Attendance rules

Since the course is short and intensive, only one unexcused and one

excused absences are allowed. Students will be asked to complete

additional work if they miss unexcused and excused classes mentioned

above.