FM1010 Anatomy Learning Objectives

Lecturer: Dr. Kathleen A. Quane

FM1010 Module Content:

Anatomy of nerve (including the autonomic nervous system), muscle, joints, musculoskeletal
system, upper and lower limbs. Histology of the cell, surface epithelium, skin, nerve, muscle,
and connective tissues. Radiological anatomy and medical imaging of upper and lower limbs.
Gametes and fertilisation; general embryology; early development of embryo and
membranes, implantation, placenta. Development of body wall and limbs.

Anatomical Society Core Syllabus

In 2016, the Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) education committee
produced a revised syllabus describing the core anatomical knowledge that it felt should be
possessed by medical students1. In the UK, the responsibility for “Deciding on the
knowledge, skills and behaviours required of medical graduates” rests with the General
Medical Council (GMC) which publishes its instructions in “Tomorrow’s Doctors” which
identified the ASGBI syllabus as the anatomical knowledge necessary for medical students.
The anatomy teaching at UCC is fully informed by the ASGBI syllabus.
1
Smith CF, Finn GM, Stewart J, et al. The Anatomical Society core regional anatomy
syllabus for undergraduate medicine. J Anat. 2016 Jan;228(1):15-23. doi: 10.1111/joa.12405.
Epub 2015 Nov 27. Review

FM1010 Anatomy Course

The anatomy course is designed to enable you achieve an understanding of (i) the basic
structure of the human body, (ii) the principles underlying its organisation and (iii) the
relationship of structure to function, in particular that of the locomotor system and its
neurological control. It includes the following components:
SYSTEMATIC ANATOMY: The principles underlying the organisation and function of
the various systems.
TOPOGRAPHICAL ANATOMY: Regional and topographical anatomy and dissection of
the limbs, trunk, head and neck.
HISTOLOGY: Histological techniques; cytology; tissues; relationships of structure to
function.
RADIOLOGICAL ANATOMY: Radiological anatomy and medical imaging. Interpretation
of common diagnostic images.

EMBRYOLOGY: The study of the prenatal development of embryos and foetuses.

The term ‘anatomy’ used in the learning outcomes below encompasses the form,
functions, position and relations as well as the neurovascular connections of a given
structure or group of structures.

FM1010 SYSTEMATIC ANATOMY:

Anatomical terminology
Spinal nerve composition: motor, sensory neurons
Joints
Skeletal Muscle
Bones
Autonomic Nervous System

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Anatomical terminology
• Medical graduates should be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and be able to
understand and use anatomical language appropriately. Knowledge of accepted general
anatomical terminology is a prequisite for learning anatomy.

• Define and demonstrate the following basic terms relative to the anatomical position:
medial, median, lateral, proximal, distal, superior, inferior, deep, superficial, palmar, plantar,
anterior/ventral, posterior/ dorsal, cephalic/cranial, rostral, caudal.

• Describe the following basic anatomical planes: axial/transverse/horizontal, sagittal and

coronal.

• Define and demonstrate the basic terms used to describe movement: flexion, extension,
lateral flexion, pronation, supination, abduction, adduction (radial/ ulnar/deviation),
medial/internal and lateral/external rotation, inversion, eversion, plantar flexion, dorsiflexion,
protraction, retraction and circumduction.

.• Define the basic terms somatic and visceral/autonomic when used to describe parts of the
body and nervous systems of the body.

Spinal nerve composition: motor, sensory neurons

• Describe the anatomy of a typical spinal nerve, including its origin from dorsal and ventral
spinal roots, its main motor and cutaneous branches and any autonomic component.

• Define the terms dermatome and myotome.

Joints
• Define the term joint and outline the structural classifications of joints.

• Describe the anatomy of fibrous, cartilaginous (primary and secondary) and synovial joints.
Give examples of each.

• Describe the classification of synovial joints on the basis of shape (plane/gliding, hinge,
saddle, pivot, ellipsoid, ball and socket), giving examples.

• Name and demonstrate the axes of movements (degrees of freedom) at a joint. Define the
terms uniaxial, biaxial and multiaxial joints and give examples of each joint.

• Describe what is meant by the terms ‘close-packed position’ and ‘loose-packed position’.

• Clinical application: arthritis, joint dislocation, joint effusion.

Skeletal Muscle
• Name the layers of connective tissue that are found in and around a muscle fibre and briefly
describe a muscle’s blood and nerve supply.

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• Describe the ways in which muscles attach at origins and insertions.

• Define a muscle fascicle. Describe the classification of muscles based on the arrangements
of muscle fascicles (parallel, convergent, pennate, circular).

• Describe the structure of muscle bellies, tendons, aponeurosis, sesamoid bones, sesamoid
fibrocartilage, bursae and synovial sheaths.

• Describe the criteria used in naming muscles.

• Describe the functional classification of muscles (prime mover, antagonist, fixator,

synergist) and outline the functions of each type.

• Describe the anatomy of the neuromuscular junction,

• Define a motor unit and describe the anatomy of the motor unit.

• Define isometric, isotonic and eccentric contraction.

Bones
• Describe the classification of bones on the basis of shape (long, short, flat, irregular).

• Describe the structure of compact and spongy bone.

• Describe the gross anatomy of a typical long bone.

• Explain how bones withstand tension and compression.

• Outline the categories of bone markings.

• Outline the process of ossification (osteogenesis).

• Briefly describe the process of bone remodelling within the skeleton.

• Clinical application: osteoporosis, bone fractures.

Autonomic Nervous System

• Describe the classification of the nervous system.

• Compare the anatomy of the autonomic & somatic motor systems.

• Outline the differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the
autonomic nervous system.

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• Describe the anatomy of the parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
including how it relates to the brain, cranial nerves and the sacral region of the spinal cord.

• Describe the anatomy of the sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system
including how it relates to the spinal cord and spinal nerves.

• Describe the sympathetic function of the adrenal medulla.

FM1010 TOPOGRAPHICAL ANATOMY:

Posterior Triangle of the back
Upper Limb
Lower Limb

The Posterior Triangle of the Neck.

• Demonstrate the boundaries of the posterior triangle of the neck defined by the sternum,
clavicle, mastoid process, trapezius,and sternocleidomastoid.

• In the posterior triangle, demonstrate the position of the spinal accessory nerve, the roots
and trunks of the brachial plexus, the phrenic nerve, the external jugular vein and subclavian
vessels in relation to penetrating neck trauma.

• Describe the courses of the accessory and phrenic nerves in the neck.

• Apply knowledge of the anatomy of the accessory nerve to a neurological assessment of the
nerve.

• Describe the anatomy of the major structures passing between the neck, and the thorax and
the upper limb. Describe the courses and important relationships
of the subclavian arteries and veins.

• Identify anatomical features on prosections.

Upper Limb
Overview
Medical graduates should be able to describe the innervation, arterial supply, venous and
lymphatic drainage of the structures of the upper limb. They should be able to interpret
relevant standard diagnostic images using a range of modalities, with particular reference to
common sites of fractures. They should be able to explain the factors that influence the
stability of the joints of the upper limb. They should have a working knowledge of surface
anatomy (including the site of major pulse points, e.g. radial), dermatomes and peripheral
nerve distribution. They should be aware of the organisation of the deep fascia of the upper
limb and its clinical relevance to compartment syndromes.

Areas of the Upper Limb

• Describe the boundaries and contents of the axilla, including the major vessels and relevant
parts of the brachial plexus

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Bones of Upper Limb.
• Describe and demonstrate the main anatomical landmarks of the clavicle, scapula, humerus,
radius and ulna. Identify the bones of the wrist and hand and their relative positions, identify
those bones that are commonly injured, e.g. scaphoid.

• Describe the neurovascular structures lying in close relation to the bones and joints of the
upper limb which are at risk of injury following fracture or dislocation. Predict what the
functional effects of such injury might be.

Joints and Muscles of Upper Limb.

• Describe the fascial compartments enclosing the major muscle groups of the upper limb;
explain the functional and clinical importance of those compartments and their contents.

• Describe the anatomy of the pectoral girdle, explain the movements of the pectoral girdle;
identify the muscles and joints responsible for these movements. Name the main attachments
and nerve supply of these muscles.

• Describe the factors that contribute to the movement and stability of the gleno-humeral joint
and explain the functional and clinical consequences of its dislocation.

• Describe the anatomy of the elbow joint. Demonstrate the movements of flexion and
extension. Identify the muscles responsible for these movements. Name the main attachments
and nerve supply of these muscles.

• Describe the anatomy of the radio-ulnar joints. Explain the movements of supination and
pronation; identify the muscles responsible for these movements, name the main attachments
and describe the nerve supply of these muscles.
.

• Describe the anatomy of the wrist. Describe and demonstrate movements at the wrist joints
and name and identify the muscle groups responsible for the movements. Describe the
relative positions of the tendons, vessels and nerves in the region of the wrist in relation to
injuries.

• Name and demonstrate the movements of the fingers and thumb. Describe the position,
function and nerve supply of the muscles and tendons involved in these movements,
differentiating between those in the forearm and those intrinsic to the hand.

• Describe the main types of grip (power, precision and hook) and the role of the muscles and
nerves involved in executing them.

• Describe the position and function of the retinacula of the wrist and the tendon sheaths of
the wrist and hand in order to explain carpal tunnel syndrome and the spread of infection in
tendon sheaths.

Blood Vessels and lymphatics of Upper Limb.

• Describe the origin, course and distribution of the major arteries and their branches that
supply the shoulder, arm, forearm and hand in relation to common sites of injury. Explain the

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importance of anastomoses between the branches. Identify those sites where neurovascular
structures are at particular risk of damage from musculoskeletal injuries.

• Demonstrate the sites at which pulses of the brachial, radial and ulnar arteries may be
located.

• Describe the course of the main veins of the upper limb and contrast the functions of the
deep and superficial veins.

• Identify the common sites of venous access and describe their key anatomical relations.

• Describe the anatomy of the axillary lymph nodes and explain their importance in the
lymphatic drainage of the breast and skin of the trunk and upper limb and in the spread of
tumours

Nerves of Upper Limb.

• Describe the anatomy of the brachial plexus from its origin in the neck to its terminal
branches. Recognise brachial plexus injuries and explain their clinical presentation.

• Describe the origin, course and function of the axillary, radial, musculocutaneous, median
and ulnar nerves in the upper limb.

• Name the major muscles and muscle groups that the axillary, radial, musculocutaneous,
median and ulnar nerves supply, together with their sensory distribution. Predict the
consequences of injury to these nerves and describe how to test their functional integrity.

• Describe the anatomical basis of assessment of: cutaneous sensation in the dermatomes of
the upper limb, motor function, tendon reflexes, and muscle power in the upper limb.

• Describe the dermatomes and peripheral nerve distribution of the upper limb.

Upper Limb Prosections.

• Identify anatomical features on prosections of the upper limb.

Lower Limb
Overview
Medical graduates should be able to describe the innervation, arterial supply, venous and
lymphatic drainage of the structures of the lower limb. They should be able to interpret
relevant standard diagnostic images using a range of modalities, with particular reference to
common sites of fractures (neck and shaft of femur, tibia and fibula). They should be able to
explain the factors that influence the stability of the joints of the lower limb. They should
have a working knowledge of surface anatomy (including major pulse points e.g. femoral),
dermatomes and peripheral nerve distribution, and the functions of major muscle groups and
their innervation in order to perform clinical procedures such as a basic neurological
examination of the lower limb and intramuscular injections. They should be aware of the
organisation of the deep fascia of the lower limb and its clinical relevance to compartment
syndromes.

FM1010 Anatomy Learning Objectives KA Quane 6

Areas of the Lower Limb
• Describe the boundaries and contents of the femoral triangle with particular regard to
arterial blood sampling and catheter placement.

• Describe the relationship between the femoral canal and the inguinal ligament and the
anatomy of femoral hernias.

• Describe the boundaries and contents of the popliteal fossa.

Bones of Lower Limb.

• Describe the osteology and surface landmarks of the pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula and foot.
Demonstrate their palpable and imaging landmarks. Explain how the bones, joints and related
structures are vulnerable to damage and what the consequences of such damage could be.

Joints and Muscles of Lower Limb.

• Describe the fascial compartments enclosing the major muscle groups and explain the
functional importance of these compartments and their contents in relation to compartment
syndrome.

• Describe the anatomy and movements of the hip joint. Summarise the muscles responsible
for these movements, their innervation and attachments.

• Describe the structures responsible for stability of the hip joint.

• Describe the structures at risk from a fracture of the femoral neck or dislocation of the hip
and explain the functional consequences of these injuries.

• Describe the anatomy and movements of the knee joint. Summarise the muscles responsible
for these movements, their innervation and main attachments.

• Describe the close relations of the knee joint, including major bursae and explain which of
these structures may be injured by trauma.

• Identify the factors responsible for maintaining the stability of the knee joint. Describe the
locking mechanism that occurs in full extension. Explain the anatomical basis of tests that
assess the integrity of the cruciate ligaments.

• Describe the anatomy of the ankle and subtalar joints. Explain the movements of plantar
flexion, dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion. Summarise the muscles responsible for these
movements, their innervation and their attachments.

• Describe the factors responsible for stability of the ankle joint, especially the lateral
ligaments, and explain the anatomical basis of ‘sprain’ injuries.

• Describe the arches of the foot and the bony, ligamentous and muscular factors that
maintain them.

FM1010 Anatomy Learning Objectives KA Quane 7

Blood Vessels and lymphatics of Lower Limb.
• Demonstrate the origin, course and branches of the major arteries that supply the gluteal
region, hip, thigh, leg, ankle and foot. Explain the functional significance of anastomoses
between branches of these arteries at the hip and knee.

• Demonstrate the locations at which the femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis
arterial pulses can be palpated.

• Demonstrate the course of the principal veins of the lower limb. Explain the role of the
perforator veins between the superficial and deep veins and the function of the ‘muscle
pump’ for venous return to the heart. Describe the surface landmarks for sites of venous
access that can be used for ‘cutdown’ procedures in emergencies.

• Describe the lymphatic drainage of the lower limb and its relationship to infection and
tumour spread.

Nerves of Lower Limb.

• Outline the origin of the lumbosacral plexus and the formation of its major branches.

• Describe the origin, course and function of the femoral, obturator, sciatic, tibial, common
fibular (peroneal), sural and saphenous nerves and summarise the muscles and muscle groups
that each supplies, as well as their sensory distribution.

• Describe the anatomy of the gluteal region and the course of the sciatic nerve through it.
Explain how to avoid damage to the sciatic nerve when giving intramuscular injections.

• Describe the anatomical bases (nerve root or peripheral nerve) for loss of movements and
reflexes at the knee and ankle resulting from spinal injuries, disc lesions and common
peripheral nerve injuries.

• Describe the dermatomes of the lower limb and perineum that can be used to assess spinal
injuries.

• Describe the peripheral nerve distribution of the lower limb.

Lower Limb Prosections.

• Identify anatomical features on prosections of the lower limb.

FM1010 HISTOLOGY:
Biomolecules, cells, cell membranes
Cytoplasmic organelles
Connective tissue
Muscle
Nerve
Surface epithelium
Skin

FM1010 Anatomy Learning Objectives KA Quane 8

Online Histology (Blue Histology):
Please see ‘Guidelines for Online Histology’ available on ‘Blackboard / FM1010 / Course
Information / Anatomy Folder / Instructions for Histology Online (Blue Histology and
Assignments).’

Online Assignments:
Available on Blackboard / FM1010 / Assignments / Anatomy Pre-Practical Assignments /
relevant practical.

Histology of Biomolecules, cells, cell membranes

• Define the term microscopy and briefly outline how a tissue is prepared for microscopy.
• Define a cell and its major regions.
• Describe the histological structure of a plasma membrane
• Recognise the histological appearance of a plasma membrane.
• Explain how molecules move across the plasma membrane

Histology of Cytoplasmic Organelles

• Outline the structure and function of the nuclear envelope, chromatin and the nucleolus.
• Describe the cytosol.
• Describe the structure and function of endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes.
• Describe how the Golgi apparatus relates to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
• Describe the structure and function of lysosomes.
• Outline the structure of mitochondria.
• Outline the structure of the cytoskeleton.
• Recognise the histological appearance of cell organelles.

Histology of Muscle
• Compare and contrast skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle tissue.
• Describe the microscopic structure of a skeletal muscle fibre/cell.
• Describe the arrangement of the contractile filaments into sacromeres and myofibrils.
• Recognise the histological appearance of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle.

Histology of Nerve
• Outline the classification of neurons.
• Describe the structure of neurons.
• Describe the structure of a synapse.
• Describe the functions of the support cells in the CNS and PNS.
• Outline the structural organisation of a typical peripheral nerve.
• Outline the process of myelination in the CNS and PNS.
• Recognise the histological appearance of nerve tissue.

Histology of Connective Tissue

• Describe the classification of connective tissue.
• Outline the cells found in general connective tissue and describe their functions.
• Describe the role of fibres and ground substance in connective tissue.
• Recognise the histological appearance of the different types of connective tissue.

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Histology of Surface Epithelium
• Outline the classification of epithelial tissue.
• Recognise the microscopic appearance of the various types of surface epithelia.
• Describe the ultrastructural features of their apical, lateral and basal surfaces.
• Describe the structure, general location and functional significance of the different types of
surface epithelia.

Histology of Skin
• Recognise the microscopic appearance of the types of skin.
• Outline the cells found in skin and describe their functions.
• Describe the layers found in skin.
• Describe the features of derivatives of the epidermis (Hair, Nails, Glands)

FM1010 RADIOLOGICAL ANATOMY

Interpret standard diagnostic images, e.g. CT, MRI, X-ray and ultrasound of the upper limb
and lower limb, and recognise common abnormalities (lectures and tutorials given by Dept
of Radiology).

FM1010 EMBRYOLOGY
• Describe the key anatomical differences between a neonate, child and adult.
Further learning objectives for embryology will be given at each lecture.

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