MCBM Element 1: Structure of the Human Body 1

Course Code: MMCM 31103

Organised and conducted by the Unit of Anatomy
Synopsis: This Element aims to provide the learner with basic information about the structure
of the human body. To this end, students will be taught the gross and microscopic anatomy of
tissues of the human body. Element 1 and Element 8 of the MCBM course are essentially a
continuum of basic learning about the structure of the human body. MCBM Elements 1, 2 and 8
together constitute MCBM I (one of the components of Professional Examination I). Material in
MCBM Elements 1 and 8 complements that in Element 2 [Physiology] and Elements 3 and 5
[Biochemistry]. This will form the basis for further learning of the gross anatomy, microscopic
anatomy and development of tissues in the Organ Systems courses in Year 2 of the programme.
Objectives:
At the end of this Element, the learner is expected to be able to:
Use terms used to describe the anatomy and histology of the human body;
Use a compound microscope correctly to examine human tissues;
Identify and differentiate different types of human tissues under the microscope;
Describe the histologic features of different types of tissue;
Rationalise the structure-function relationships of bones of the axial and appendicular
skeleton;
Identify bones, joints, muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs and their nerve and
blood supply; and
Describe the functional organisation of the central nervous system and the peripheral
nervous system.
T-L methods: 15 lectures, 4 IRS, 8 dissection sessions, 5 histology lab sessions.
Contact hours: 45 hours
The Curriculum:
Lectures:
1. Introduction: anatomical terms; anatomical positions; regions of the body; organ systems;
ways of describing and visualising the human body.
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2. Epithelia and glands: classification of epithelia; distribution and functions of various
epithelia; classification of glands.
3. Connective tissue: types of cells in connective tissue; composition of extracellular matrix;
superficial and deep fasciae, their function and clinical importance; skin and its appendages.
4. General anatomy of bones: the axial and appendicular skeleton; periosteum; types of
bones; architecture of bones; tensile strength of bones.
5. Histology of cartilage, bones and muscle: types of cartilage - hyaline, elastic and fibro
cartilage; basic facts about bone structure and development of bones. Different types of
muscles; histology of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle.
6. Histology of neural tissue and blood vessels: Histological structure of neuron; types of
neurons; types of neuroglial cells; histological features of a mixed nerve. Blood vessels
microscopic structure of arteries &, veins
7. Histology of lymphoid tissue: structure of lymphoid tissue; lymph node, spleen, thymus and
mucosa associated lymphoid tissue.
8. Upper Limb [Part 1]: bones, joints and ligaments of the upper limb; movements at each
joint.
9. Upper Limb [Part 2]: muscles of the upper limb; origin and insertion, nerve supply and
action; anatomy of the cubital fossa; anatomy of the carpal tunnel.
10. Upper Limb [Part 3]: blood supply and lymphatic drainage of the upper limb; nerve supply of
the upper limb the brachial plexus and major nerves of the upper limb; anatomy of the
axilla; major vessels of the upper limb.
11. Lower Limb [Part 1]: bones, joints and ligaments of the lower limb; movements at each joint.
12. Lower Limb [Part 2]: muscles and muscle groups of the lower limb; innervation of muscles
of lower limb; the concept of muscle pump; joints on which muscles and muscle groups act
and movements they produce; anatomy of the femoral triangle, femoral canal, adductor canal
and popliteal fossa.
13. Lower Limb [Part 3]: blood supply and lymphatic drainage of the lower limb; nerve supply of
the lower limb - the lumbar plexus and major nerves of the lower limb.
14. Thorax [Part 1]: bones, joints and muscles of the vertebral column.
15. Thorax [Part 2]: bones and muscles of the thorax; intercostals space and contents;
diaphragm; anatomy of the breast; clinical relevance of lymphatic drainage of the breast; an
overview of organs present in the thoracic cavity; mediastinum.
8 Dissection Sessions & 5 Histology Lab Sessions (2 hours each):
1. Introduction: anatomical position; names of bones and their arrangement, function of skeleton
and joints axial and appendicular skeleton
2. Histology: epithelia and glands
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3. Histology: connective tissue and skin
4. Histology: cartilage, bone and muscle
5. Histology: nervous tissue and blood vessels
6. Histology: lymphoid tissue
7. Bones and joints of the upper limb: bones and ligaments, types and structure of joints;
different types of movements at each joint and factors which effect stability
8. Muscles of the upper limb: origin, insertion, nerve supply and action
9. Blood supply and innervation of the muscles of the upper limb: major nerves and vessels of
the upper limb relevance to clinical procedures
10. Bones and joints of the lower limb: bones and ligaments, types and structure of joints;
different types of movements at each joint and factors which effect stability
11. Muscles of the lower limb: origin, insertion, nerve supply and action
12. Blood supply and innervation of the muscles of the lower limb: major nerves and vessels of
lower limb with clinical relevance to pulse, venous drainage
13. Thorax: structure of thoracic wall, vertebrae, ribs and diaphragm; anatomy of the breast and
its lymphatic drainage; overview of the position of thoracic organs and their inter
relationships, concept of mediastinum.