Physical Address

304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

Trunk

Overview The torso supports the head and upper extremities, which are secured in a flexible manner. The spine is the support structure of the torso, with its vertebrae increasing in size from top to bottom to support the weight of the body. To cushion any impact there are intervertebral discs (Disci intervertebrales) between the individual vertebrae which consist of a fibrous ring and a central gelatinous…

General anatomy

Overview The Greek word ‘ανατɛμνɛιν’ (anatemnein) means ‘cut open’ and describes the oldest method in the subject of anatomy, already practised in ancient times. Anatomy is the study of the structure of the healthy body. Without the knowledge of anatomy, one cannot learn about functions, and without the knowledge of structure and function, no pathological changes can be understood. In order to learn a new language,…

True-to-life representation is the top priority

‘ To practise as a doctor without profound anatomical knowledge is unthinkable. For the diagnosing, treatment and prognosis of illnesses, a detailed knowledge of the structure, positional relationships and the neurovascular pathways which supply the regions and organs of the body is central.’ Anatomical knowledge is gained through cognitive, tactile and especially visual learning processes, and can only be fully acquired when working with the human…

An Introduction to Neuropathology

The different diagnoses of diseases and disorders within the nervous system are made using neuropathology in coordination with clinical signs/symptoms and imaging. The imaging techniques discussed in Chapter 9 , coalesced with biopsies, the use of selective antibodies to identify cellular markers, and particular stains to highlight cellular structures, are all used to make a diagnosis. This chapter will present some common neuropathological diseases Stains used…

Functional Systems

The preceding chapters presented the major structures seen at individual levels of the central nervous system (CNS) or in particular views of the brain. This chapter is complementary, using many of the same sections and views to indicate the structures and connections involved in particular neurological functions. We have taken a “bare-bones” approach to this task and indicated only major pathways and connections. Much of the…

Cardboard

You’re Reading a Preview Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and enjoy Unlimited articles Become membership If you are a member. Log in here

Formation, Modification, and Repair of Neuronal Connections

Previous chapters may have hinted that the parts of the nervous system are interconnected in rigid, immutable ways, but this is far from accurate. The details of the nervous system are much too complex to be completely laid out genetically. Instead, only the general layout of the nervous system is specified genetically; later stages of development are a time of great plasticity, in which neurons and…