Pages: 14

The human nervous system is a complex network of impulse-conducting neurons or nerve cells. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system carries impulses to and from the rest of the body. Key anatomical regions of the brain include the cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon, basal ganglia, and brainstem and associated cranial nerves. The blood supply and coverings of the brain have clinical implications in the classifications of stroke and intracranial haemorrhage. The spinal cord is a continuation of the brainstem containing distinct bundles of neurons, or tracts. Key sensory (or ascending) tracts include the spinothalamic and dorsal column pathways. Key motor (or descending) pathways include the corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts. Akin to the brain, the blood supply and coverings of the spinal cord have many clinical implications such as the presentation of traumatic spinal cord injury and the delivery of pain relief via epidural or spinal anaesthesia.

Pages: 18

This chapter discusses the development, function, and clinical conditions associated with the spinal cord. The developing spinal cord consists of an alar plate and a basal plate, separated by a longitudinal groove known as the sulcus limitans. The basal plate forms the ventral aspect of the developing spinal cord, whilst the alar plate forms the dorsal dimension. A cross-section of the spinal cord shows a central body of grey matter, shaped like an H or a butterfly, with its anterior and posterior wings containing cell bodies and fibres and peripheral white matter, which contains only nerve fibres. The blood supply provided by the vertical arteries is reinforced by segmental arteries that enter the spinal cord at each segmental level. The following segments of this section focus on a variety of clinical disorders that are associated with the spinal cord. Central cord syndrome is the most common form of incomplete spinal cord injury.

Pages: 47

This chapter explores the fundamental anatomy of the head and neck. The reader will grasp the major anatomical components, vasculature, and nerve supply to the external and internal facial features. The reader will explore the major anatomical osteology, muscles, vessels, and nerves with the aid of student anatomical drawings. The neck, with its internal components, will also be explored, covering anatomical triangles and the thyroid with their important features. Surgical and clinical relevance has been embedded throughout this chapter to understand the application to the clinical setting. Patient photographs and radiological images have been included. The images were taken with consent from clinical cases. Finally, the reader can review their knowledge in a short and concise “test your knowledge” section at the end of the chapter. Overall, this chapter will fully consolidate the important areas in head and neck anatomy and enhance students' practice and understanding of common surgical and clinical pathologies

Pages: 29

This chapter provides an overview of the topographical, systematic, and applied anatomy of the upper limb. The osteology of the pectoral girdle, arm, forearm, and hand is given first to provide a sound understanding of the upper limb skeleton. The anatomy of the joints of the upper limb is detailed, and the ligaments, nerves, and muscles acting on each joint are explained. The muscles of the upper limb are explained in the context of muscle compartments. The origin, insertion, action, and nerve supply of the muscles are explained. The nerve supply is of crucial importance to the correct functioning of the upper limb and hand, and an understanding of the anatomy of the brachial plexus is of vital importance. The functional, applied, and clinical aspects of the anatomy of the hand and wrist are explained, including movements and types of grip. The axilla is a region of clinical importance, and the boundaries, contents, and surgical importance of the axilla are detailed. At the end of the chapter there are practice exam questions for review. In conclusion, this chapter provides a thorough understanding of the gross and applied anatomy of the upper limb and an introduction to important clinical and surgical aspects.

Pages: 40

The thorax is a unique region of the body that contains vital structures essential for life. A thorough appreciation of the anatomy and its function will establish strong foundations required to identify and treat various pathologies occurring within the thorax. In this section you will explore different aspects of the thorax, ranging from the thoracic cage to internal structures like the heart. As well as the core anatomy, relevant clinical application will be introduced throughout the sections to provide context to the anatomy explored. In conclusion, this chapter should equip you with a detailed understanding of thoracic anatomy, as well as an appreciation of the various clinical applications relevant to this region of the body. From clinical examination to analysing chest X-rays, try to consider the underlying anatomy at every stage to maximise the utility of this newfound knowledge.

Pages: 48

This chapter explores the fundamental anatomy of the abdomen. The reader will grasp the embryological processes for the foregut, midgut, and hindgut. They will then explore the major anatomical components, surface anatomy, vasculature, and visceral nerve supply with the aid of student drawings and diagrams. Surgical and clinical relevance has been embedded throughout this chapter to aid understanding of the clinical setting. Patient photographs and radiological images have been included and were all taken with appropriate permissions from clinical cases. Finally, the reader can review their knowledge in a short and concise “test your knowledge” section at the end of the chapter. Overall, this chapter will fully consolidate the important areas in abdominal anatomy and enhance a student's understanding of common surgical and clinical pathologies.

Pages: 37

The goal of this section is to provide an understanding of the overall anatomy of the pelvis with a specific focus on the bony pelvic anatomy and the urinary and reproductive organs with their respective blood supply and innervation. The pelvis contains many important structures, including the ureters, bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs. The male and female reproductive organs have many analogous structures due to their common embryological origins. This is relevant when reviewing conditions of disrupted embryological development. The external genitalia of both sexes are anchored to the anterior aspect of the pelvic outlet. The inguinal canal provides a passage from the lower abdomen to the external genitalia. In conclusion, the pelvis contains many anatomically and clinically relevant structures of which a clear understanding is essential.

Pages: 37

This chapter provides an overview of the topographical, systematic, and applied anatomy of the lower limb. The osteology of the pelvic girdle, thigh, leg, and foot is given first to provide a sound understanding of the lower limb skeleton. The anatomy of the joints of the lower limb is detailed, and the ligaments, nerves, and muscles acting on each joint are explained. The muscles of the lower limb are explained in the context of muscle compartments. The origin, insertion, action, and nerve supply of the major muscles are explained. The neurovascular structures and lymphatics are described, and the nerve supply to the different compartments of the lower limb is detailed. Important clinical conditions affecting the lower limb are explained with the aid of medical images. At the end of the section, there are practice exam questions for revision. In conclusion, this section provides a thorough understanding of the gross and applied anatomy of the upper limb and an introduction to important clinical and surgical aspects.