Neuroanatomy

Description

In this module you will explore the structure of the nervous system in order to understand how the brain exerts control over the body. You will achieve this through a range of learning methods and visualisation techniques, including hands-on practical classes in the anatomy laboratory, lectures, and seminars. Neuroanatomy will be taught at both a cellular and whole-body level, which will help to integrate your understanding of the other body systems introduced in year 1 and related physiology principles. This will provide a solid foundation for the regional anatomy that will be studied in years 2 and 3 of the Human Anatomy BSc (Hons) programme. An understanding of neuroanatomy is applicable within a vast range of biological disciplines - both clinical and non-clinical. Assessment will allow development of scientific writing skills, as well as practical demonstration of neuroanatomical knowledge. This module also offers an exciting opportunity to explore basic pathology of the nervous system and learn transferrable problem-solving skills. This includes how to recognise functional deficits caused by common forms of damage to the nervous system such as stroke, trauma, and neurodegenerative disease. This module aims to provide students with a structural and functional understanding of the nervous system and the ability to describe and differentiate its parts. An understanding of neuroanatomy is integral to the comprehension of anatomical concepts that will be covered in years 2 and 3 ('Regional Dissection' and 'Advanced Anatomy' modules), therefore this module will form a core component of the Human Anatomy BSc (Hons) programme. Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of key structures throughout the nervous system. Students will use foundational physiological principles to describe connections between these structures with regards to how individuals can perform movements, perceive sensation from the surrounding environment and maintain functional (autonomic) control of internal organs. Students will also have an introduction on how to approach the scientific literature with regards to researching basic functional deficits caused by damage to the nervous system. Categorise key features of the nervous system into functional and structural divisions, at both the gross and cellular level.: 1 Identify the structural features of typical neurons and glia and describe the physiological events involved in action potentials and synapses : 2 Identify and label anatomical features associated with the central and peripheral nervous systems using cadaveric specimens, models and diagrams.: 2 Describe how blood is supplied to various regions of the central nervous system and explain the functional significance.: 2 Outline the main motor and sensory pathways and predict what basic clinical deficits will be associated with location-specific lesions of the nervous system.: 1 1: Report weighted 50% 2000-word report Students will be asked to write a maximum 2000-word report focusing on the typical neuroanatomy and pathology of one area of the nervous system. Students will be provided with a choice of three areas of the nervous system and choose ONE for their submission. The focus of the report will be on typical anatomy of their chosen area, with a brief discussion of relevant pathologies. A mentor will be assigned to each student to provide support and guidance when they are developing the report. Students will be provided a marking rubric in advance and feedback will be provided on a formative draft. 2: Laboratory Practicals weighted 50% Spotter Exam 60-minute practical exam comprising 60 standardised questions distributed across various stations in a lab setting. Students will have 60-seconds to answer a question that relates to a specific anatomical structure that has been pinned (tagged or positioned) onto a specimen, model or image and a timer will signal when the students should advance to the next question/station. A formative 30-minute spotter exam will comprise 30 standardised questions each associated with a pinned anatomical specimen, model or image. This will prepare students for the format (e.g. physical layout of how stations can be positioned around the lab, sound and placement of the timer) and practice spending 60-seconds answering each question. Students will have the opportunity to reflect and discuss their result with staff, allowing them to receive feedback and make relevant adjustments. The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/ Last Updated: 31 May 2026