37198 - Anatomy (Part 1)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students will have acquired comprehensive knowledge of the gross anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and lymphatic systems. They will be able to identify, describe, and locate the principal anatomical structures, using the international anatomical terminology correctly and recognizing their topographical relationships within the different regions of the human body.

Students will develop a three-dimensional understanding of the organization of the human body and will comprehend the anatomical relationships among organs, organ systems, and body regions. They will also be able to interpret the principal relationships between structural organization and the functional significance of the anatomical structures studied.

The knowledge acquired will provide the essential foundation for subsequent courses in physiology, pathology, clinical medicine, and surgery.

Course contents

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

General features of bones, joints, and muscles, including embryological aspects.

Description of the different skeletal segments and the ways in which they articulate with one another.

Vertebral Column

• Morphology of the vertebrae in the different regions of the vertebral column.
• Intervertebral joints, atlanto-occipital joint, and atlanto-axial joint.
• Organization of the paravertebral muscles.

Thoracic Cage

• Morphology of the bones of the thorax.
• Costosternal and costovertebral joints.
• Thoracic muscles and diaphragm.

Pectoral Girdle and Upper Limb

• Morphology of the bones.
• Sternoclavicular, coracoclavicular, glenohumeral, elbow, distal radioulnar, and radiocarpal joints.
• Muscles of the shoulder, arm, and forearm; axillary region.
• Topographical anatomy of blood vessels and nerves (brachial plexus) in relation to the muscles of the upper limb, with interpretation of radiological images.

Pelvic Girdle and Lower Limb

• Morphology of the bones.
• Sacroiliac, hip, knee, and ankle joints.
• Muscles of the hip, thigh, and leg.
• Femoral triangle and popliteal fossa.
• Topographical anatomy of blood vessels and nerves (lumbosacral plexus) in relation to the muscles of the lower limb, with interpretation of radiological images.

Skull

• Morphology of the bones of the viscerocranium and neurocranium.
• Anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae; temporal, infratemporal, and pterygopalatine fossae.
• Temporomandibular joint.
• Muscles of mastication.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Heart

• Topography and surface anatomy.
• Pericardium.
• Internal configuration, fibrous skeleton, and cardiac valves.
• Blood supply: coronary arteries; innervation and organogenesis.

Organization of the Blood Vessels

• Course of the aorta and its major branches.
• Course of the venae cavae and the azygos venous system.
• Elements of radiological anatomy of the vascular system.

LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Organization of the lymphatic vessels, thoracic duct, and principal lymphatic vessels.

Lymphoid and Hematopoietic Organs

• Microscopic anatomy of the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Upper Airways

• Topography, systematic anatomy, blood supply, and innervation.

Larynx

• Topography and anatomical relationships.
• Cartilaginous skeleton.
• Extrinsic and intrinsic muscles.
• Blood supply and innervation.

Lungs

• Topographical and gross anatomy.
• Bronchial tree and bronchopulmonary segments.
• Functional and nutritional circulation.
• Innervation.
• Pleural serosa and pleural recesses.

Microscopic Anatomy of the Respiratory System.

Readings/Bibliography

Anatomia Umana (3vol), Edi Ermes

Anatomia del Gray , 40° ed (2 volumi), Edra.,

Netter F., Atlante di Anatomia Umana, Edra

Guida alla lettura dell'Atlante di Anatomia Umana di F. Netter, Edra

Anatomia clinica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Atlante fotografico di Anatomia descrittiva e topografica, Piccin

Atlante di Anatomia, Prometheus , EdiSes

Atlante di Anatomia, Kamina, Piccin

Teaching methods

The course is delivered through lectures aimed at providing students with knowledge of the gross anatomy of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and lymphatic systems, with particular emphasis on the three-dimensional organization of anatomical structures and their topographical relationships.

Lectures are supported by multimedia presentations including images from anatomical atlases, explanatory diagrams, and other visual materials designed to facilitate the understanding of the morphology of organs and their anatomical relationships.

To enhance spatial visualization and anatomical orientation skills, free three-dimensional (3D) anatomy applications and additional multimedia educational resources may be used when available.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is carried out through an individual oral examination designed to evaluate the achievement of the module learning outcomes.

The examination includes:

• identification and description of a microscopic anatomy specimen related to topics covered during lectures and practical sessions;
• one oral question concerning the systematic and topographical anatomy of the systems covered in the course.

During the examination, students may be asked to identify and describe anatomical structures using anatomical models, osteological specimens, and anatomical or radiological images.

The assessment is designed to evaluate:

• knowledge of the anatomical organization of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and lymphatic systems;
• the ability to identify and describe the principal anatomical structures;
• understanding of the topographical relationships among organs, body regions, and organ systems;
• the ability to integrate macroscopic and microscopic anatomical knowledge;
• the correct use of international anatomical terminology;
• the ability to interpret basic anatomical and radiological images;
• clarity, accuracy, and scientific rigor in oral presentation.

The final grade is expressed on a scale of 30 points.

Assessment Criteria

18–21/30

Sufficient knowledge of the fundamental topics covered in the course. The student is able to identify and describe the main anatomical structures and the most relevant microscopic specimens, but shows gaps in more advanced topics, some inaccuracies in terminology, and a limited ability to establish connections among different subjects.

22–24/30

Fair knowledge of the course content. The student correctly describes the principal anatomical structures and demonstrates an adequate ability to recognize topographical relationships and microscopic specimens, using generally appropriate anatomical terminology.

25–27/30

Good knowledge of the topics covered. The student demonstrates confidence in describing both macroscopic and microscopic anatomical structures, good command of anatomical terminology, and the ability to correlate different regions, organs, and systems.

28–30/30

Comprehensive and thorough knowledge of the course content. The student demonstrates full mastery of the systematic and topographical anatomy of the systems studied, correctly uses international anatomical terminology, accurately identifies microscopic specimens, and properly interprets the main anatomical and radiological relationships.

30 cum laude

In addition to fulfilling the requirements for a grade of 30/30, the student demonstrates outstanding mastery of the subject matter, exceptional precision in the use of anatomical terminology, a remarkable ability to integrate macroscopic, microscopic, and topographical anatomy, as well as particularly clear and effective communication skills.

To take the examination, students are required to register through the online examination system within the established deadlines. Students who are unable to register by the specified deadline must promptly notify the Academic Administration Office of the problem (and in any case before the official closing of the registration lists). The lecturer reserves the right to admit such students to the examination.

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) and temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the dedicated University service (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti) as early as possible in order to agree on appropriate accommodations. Requests must be submitted to the lecturer at least 15 days before the examination date. The suitability of the requested accommodations will be evaluated in accordance with the learning objectives of the course.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools during assessment activities is prohibited. Any unauthorized use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Lectures are supported by PowerPoint presentations including anatomical images and diagrams derived from human anatomy atlases, which are used to facilitate the understanding of the morphological organization of the organs and systems covered in the course.

To enhance the three-dimensional visualization of anatomical structures and their topographical relationships, online 3D anatomy applications may be used during the course. Selected online videos and audiovisual resources may also be used to support the understanding of specific anatomical topics.

All teaching materials used during lectures, including the PowerPoint presentations, are made available to students through Virtuale, the University of Bologna's e-learning platform.

Office hours

See the website of Gabriella Teti