6. BCN Human Neuroanatomy

Theme of the course

The human central nervous system.

Target Group

Master students of the BCN Research Master, PhD students, post-docs and health care professionals in the fields of brain imaging, neuropathology, neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and psychology . Number of participants: Maximum 24. In case of oversubscription, priority rules apply.

Credits

2 EC, 5 EC if you pass the exam.

Period

Usually in November/December

Prerequisites

This course assumes very little prior knowledge of neuroanatomy or neuroscientific principles. Discipline, intrinsic motivation, and willingness to walk the extra mile are main virtues that this course requires.

Description

This is a stand-alone Neuroanatomy course that focuses on regional and systemic anatomy of the human central and peripheral nervous system. In this course, lectures and practicals are offered in parallel and the latter include hands-on dissection of embalmed human brains.
Practical work mainly involves brain dissection. Because of the delicate nature of the donated human brain material, practical work is mandatory. Students who miss >2 practical sessions will not be granted access to the exam.

 Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is able to:
-Understand that adult neuroanatomy is the consequence of prenatal development, and the student knows the basics of the embryology of the nervous system
-Recognize the main segmentation of the central nervous system in gray matter, white matter and ventricular system (cerebrospinal fluid).
-Recognize and understand the cranial nerves, including their functions, and their points of access to the periphery through the skull.
-Recognize and understand the cross-sectional anatomy of the brain and spinal cord.
-Recognize and understand the anatomy and functional circuitry of major systems, considering both peripheral and central elements.-Recognize and understand the vascularization of the central nervous system, including vascular territories, as well as the membranes and spaces that surround the central nervous system.
-Recognize and understand the functional anatomy of the brainstem, and the pivotal role the brainstem plays in CNS function.
-Understand the concept of structural connectivity, and is able to identify the main central white matter tracts.
-Recognize the gyri and sulci of the cerebral cortex, the histological layering of cerebral cortex including functional implications of this layering, and the functional relation of the thalamus and its subdivisions to the cerebral cortex.
-Use correct anatomical terminology to describe structures, their location and their relationships. 

Content

Topics covered include: vertebral column, skull, spinal cord, meningeal and vascular systems, brainstem, cerebellum, limbic system, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, cerebral cortex, sensory systems, motor systems, higher order processing.

Time investment

42 hours of lectures, 42 hours of practicals, 56 hours of revising, 28 hours self-study and preparation for individual assignment (this totals 5 EC).

Evaluation

Morphological examination in the dissection room. Theoretical examination. Individual seminar given by the students. If the final grade is at least 5.50, a signed certificate will be provided.

Application

An invitation for the course will be send to all BCN PhD students in Augustus/September.

Instructors

Dr. Janniko Georgiadis and Drs. Gerben Ruesink

Recommended literature

- John H. Martin, “Neuroanatomy: Text and Atlas” (highly recommended)