The anatomy department’s faculty offers instruction in courses and systems in the major areas of the discipline: gross anatomy, histology, embryology and neuroanatomy. Anatomical knowledge provides the foundation for other basic medical sciences and is the keystone of physical diagnosis.
Core anatomy courses
Gross anatomy
The structure of the human body is presented in lecture, laboratory and computer learning models. Dissection of each region of the body demonstrates normal form, common variations and pathological conditions. Normal function and clinical significance are stressed and reinforced through presentations by medical personnel. Additional lectures integrate the early development of body form and cellular organization with regional anatomy
Cell and tissue biology
This course will provide you with an understanding of cytology, the basic tissues, and the organ systems (e.g., cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, integumentary and lymphoid). Through selected histopathology lectures, students are exposed to the clinical relevance of understanding normal histology.
General pathology
Pathology is a medical science, and specialty practice, concerned with all aspects of disease, but with special reference to the essential nature, causes, and development of abnormal conditions, as well as the structural and functional changes that result from the disease processes.
Neuroanatomy
The structural and functional organization of the central nervous system is presented through lectures and laboratory/computer demonstrations on parts of the brain and spinal cord. The course covers the role of the brain and spinal cord in sensory perception and movement of the human body, including organs and behavioral responses. Wherever possible, case studies and appropriate syndromes are also presented.
Lower limb anatomy
Lower limb anatomy is a comprehensive course in the functional anatomy of the lower limb. Podiatric medical students dissect and identify the detailed structures of the foot, leg and thigh in order to become expert in the structure and function of this region of the body.
Clinically-oriented anatomy
Clinically-oriented anatomy is an integrated anatomical approach to the study of the structure of the human body as it is related to the medical sciences. This will be accomplished through a combination of anatomical and radiological lectures, audiovisual demonstrations, models, computer programs and other self-study materials and laboratory experiences. It is here that you will begin to understand and appreciate the complexity of the human body.
Elective courses
Problem-based anatomy
The problem-based anatomy course is designed for students who desire a greater appreciation of the clinical relevance of anatomy and will be of educational utility to the student preparing for COMLEX Level 1. The course will utilize lecture and discussion to guide students through selected clinical vignettes from Problem-Based Anatomy. Each clinical vignette provides an educational framework in which the student can apply their fund of anatomical knowledge to clinical situations. Another value-added attribute of the course is its integrated approach to the field of anatomy. Therefore, wherever appropriate the clinical vignettes will explore the various subdisclipines of anatomy. These include anatomic pathology, cell biology, embryology, gross anatomy, histology, neuroanatomy and radiologic anatomy.
The cranial nerves elective: A case-based approach
This elective neuroanatomy course is designed to provide an understanding of the structure and function of the cranial nerves and the main neurological deficits resulting from cranial nerve lesions through clinical case discussions. It is assumed that the student taking this course will have a reasonable working knowledge of the structure and function of the cranial nerves. This is not a review course, but is intended to serve as a supplement to the D.O./D.P.M. neuroanatomy course, D.P.T. neuroanatomy course and PA neurologic system.
Introduction to clinical imaging
A general introduction and review of the principles and clinical examples of modern medical imaging with emphasis on radiological anatomy. The imaging modalities of plain film, x-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be emphasized as they relate to normal and abnormal anatomy. This course will extend over 17 weeks with one 2-hour evening session per week. One of the last three sessions will be used for a multiple-choice examination and the final two sessions will be for student case presentations. There will be a maximum of 10 students admitted to this course and all students must be approved by the instructor and have obtained a minimum of 80 percent in the gross anatomy and neuroanatomy courses.
Advanced dissections in anatomy
The course will allow students to dissect areas of the human cadaver to further their knowledge of anatomical structure. Students, under supervision by the instructors, will prepare prosections of specific areas of the human cadaver and prepare a computer tutorial with self assessment, Option A or a 40-50 minutes PowerPoint presentation on the prosected area with a clinical aspect of the prosection, Option B. These tutorials and PowerPoint presentations will be placed on the student intranet and departmental web-page.
Human development
The course will provide the student with an in-depth understanding of normal human development and associated congenital anomalies.
Forensic osteology
This course provides an introduction to forensic osteology – that is, the application of osteological techniques and knowledge to medicolegal problems. Most typically, this work involves the identification of human skeletal remains (or remains with varying degrees of decomposition) for legal and humanitarian reasons. Students will become proficient in determining age, sex, ancestry and stature from skeletal remains and recognizing unique anatomical features aiding a positive identification. Additional techniques such as crime scene recovery, establishing time since death and determining cause and manner of death will be discussed.
Human evolutionary anatomy
Modern human musculoskeletal anatomy is examined in the context of primate comparative anatomy and human evolutionary history. Students will be introduced to evolutionary theory; phylogenetics; primate morphology, behavior and ecology; and the human fossil record. With this background, students will explore human anatomy in terms of features common to the order Primates (Linnaeus, 1758) and specializations unique to humans. This course is designed to be flexible – many of the discussion topics will be selected by students enrolled in the course. Possible discussion topics include, but are not limited to: postcranial adaptations for bipedalism, encephalization (increased brain size), anatomical adaptations for speech, facial biomechanics, and human dental adaptations. This course will evolve, from year to year the seminar topics covered will change as the interests of enrolled students change.
Prerequisite: human gross anatomy