- Docente: Elisa Boschetti
- Credits: 4
- SSD: BIO/16
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Ravenna
- Corso: Single cycle degree programme (LMCU) in Medicine and Surgery (cod. 5906)
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from Nov 11, 2025 to Jan 08, 2026
Learning outcomes
After completing the study of topographical aspects and anatomo-functional relationships, the student will be able to:
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Describe the superficial structures of the body and the surface projection of deep organs;
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Discuss surgical or endoscopic approaches to deep organs;
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Recognize the anatomical relationships between normal organs in diagnostic imaging;
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Describe the effects of major lesions of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the locations of referred pain.
Course contents
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Organization and development of the central nervous system.
Spinal cord: external and internal configuration. Roots of spinal nerves. Organization of gray and white matter.
Brainstem: medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain. External configuration and anatomical relationships. Fourth ventricle, cerebral and cerebellar peduncles, tectal plate (corpora quadrigemina), cerebral aqueduct.
Cerebellum: external and internal configuration; structure and histological organization of the cerebellar cortex.
Diencephalon: thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, and subthalamus. Third ventricle.
Telencephalon: general morphology. Sulci, lobes, gyri, cortical regions and functional areas. Lateral ventricles. Subcortical nuclei and white matter organization. Major commissural systems of the telencephalon. Limbic system.
Spinal and cranial meninges: dura mater, arachnoid, pia mater; tela choroidea and choroid plexuses; cerebrospinal fluid.
Vascularization of the central nervous system: blood supply to the spinal cord and brain. Internal carotid artery. Vertebrobasilar system. Circle of Willis. Cerebral arteries. Dural venous sinuses.
Autonomic nervous system: sympathetic system and associated plexuses. Cranial and sacral parasympathetic system.
PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Spinal and cranial nerves.
SENSORY ORGANS
Special sense organs: visual system, auditory system, and integumentary system.
Readings/Bibliography
Anastasi G. et al., Anatomia Umana (3vol), Edi Ermes
Anatomia del Gray , (2 volumi), Edra
Netter F., Atlante di Anatomia Umana, Edra
Atlante di Anatomia, Prometheus , EdiSes
Rohen-Yokochi, Atlante fotografico di Anatomia descrittiva e topografica, Piccin
Kamina, Atlante di Anatomia, Piccin
FitzGerald M.J. et al, Neuroanatomia con riferimenti funzionali e clinici, Edra
Chiarugi G., Sistema nervoso centrale XII Ed. a cura di E. Gaudio, Piccin
Young B. et al., Wheater Istologia ed Anatomia microscopica, Edra
Moore H., Anatomia clinica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Teaching methods
The course consists of a series of lectures accompanied by practical sessions.
Practical sessions are held:
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In the dissection room, on cadavers donated to science and prepared by the teaching staff. Four main sessions are scheduled:
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head and neck regions
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abdominal wall, abdominal cavity and its contained organs
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retroperitoneum and male/female pelvis
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brain, cranial base, and spinal cord
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In the Microscopic Anatomy Laboratory, using histological preparations.
Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.
Assessment methods
Final Assessment
The final exam consists of an oral interview in which the student is expected to demonstrate knowledge of systematic and topographical anatomy of the various organs.
Additionally, the identification of a histological specimen is required.
Grading Criteria for the Final Exam in Anatomy
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18–24: Basic knowledge of the topics covered during the course, with limited ability to express concepts, sometimes emerging only with the help of the examiner.
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25–28: Satisfactory understanding of the course content, good communication skills, and appropriate use of anatomical terminology.
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29–30 cum laude: Thorough knowledge of all topics covered, excellent communication skills, full command of anatomical terminology, and strong reasoning ability.
Teaching tools
Teaching Materials
All teaching materials are available on the University’s online learning platform – Virtuale.
Microscopic Anatomy slides can be viewed on the Virtual Microscopy website:
http://virtualmicroscopy.patologia-sperimentale.unibo.it
Office hours
See the website of Elisa Boschetti