Human and Experimental Neuroanatomy
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course is intended to offer the theoretical background to study neuroanatomy in the context of biomedical research. The first part will be devoted to study nervous tissue and central nervous system. In the second part, the course will supply an integrated view of the nervous system, focusing on functional neuroanatomy of sensory and motor systems. Finally, the third part will deal with the main morphological microscopical techniques used in experimental studies of central nervous system in animal models.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be able:
- to navigate through the complex topographical organization of human central nervous system;
- to understand the specific connections between peripheral organs (sensory, motor and visceral organs) and cortical or subcortical structures involved in the motor response;
- to interpret both histological sections and scientific articles dealing with experimental models (rodents) or human nervous system.
- to navigate through the complex topographical organization of human central nervous system;
- to understand the specific connections between peripheral organs (sensory, motor and visceral organs) and cortical or subcortical structures involved in the motor response;
- to interpret both histological sections and scientific articles dealing with experimental models (rodents) or human nervous system.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Histology of the nervous tissue (neurons, synapses and glia). General structure of the nervous circuits. General peripheral organization esteroception, proprioception and visceral sensitivity.
Gross anatomy, cytoarchitecture, chemoarchitecture and connectivity of the human spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum, tectum, diencephalon, telencephalon. Retina and olfactory bulb.
Principles of organization of the peripheral nervous system. Spinal nerves. Innervation of muscles and joints. Cranial nerves. Vegetative nervous system.
Functional neuroanatomy of sensory and motor systems, and of systems involved in maintaining the homeostasis. Anatomical basis of high cognitive functions (perception, memory, emotion, language, attention).
The main morphological microscopical techniques used in experimental studies on central nervous system pointing out limitations and difficulties. Comparative neuroanatomy of rodent models highlighting differences and similarities with human brain. Practical sessions will be scheduled (light microscopy study of histological samples from nervous system of different species). Basic experimental methods to study neurological pathologies.
Analysis, presentation and discussion of a scientific articles (English language).
Didactic seminar of an expert scientist on a specific neuroanatomical topic.
Gross anatomy, cytoarchitecture, chemoarchitecture and connectivity of the human spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum, tectum, diencephalon, telencephalon. Retina and olfactory bulb.
Principles of organization of the peripheral nervous system. Spinal nerves. Innervation of muscles and joints. Cranial nerves. Vegetative nervous system.
Functional neuroanatomy of sensory and motor systems, and of systems involved in maintaining the homeostasis. Anatomical basis of high cognitive functions (perception, memory, emotion, language, attention).
The main morphological microscopical techniques used in experimental studies on central nervous system pointing out limitations and difficulties. Comparative neuroanatomy of rodent models highlighting differences and similarities with human brain. Practical sessions will be scheduled (light microscopy study of histological samples from nervous system of different species). Basic experimental methods to study neurological pathologies.
Analysis, presentation and discussion of a scientific articles (English language).
Didactic seminar of an expert scientist on a specific neuroanatomical topic.
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge of cytology and histology is necessary.
Teaching methods
Interactive lessons. Light microscopic observations of nervous tissue. Discussion of a scientific paper in English and active participation in the seminar. Attendance is preferred.
Teaching Resources
Adopted texts:
Vercelli - Boido - Bertini - Macchiarelli - AAVV - Neuroanatomia Funzionale · Idelson-Gnocchi, 2019
Fitzgerald. Neuroanatomia con riferimenti funzionali e clinici. E. Mtui, G. Gruener, P. Dockery. Edra, 2017
G. Grasso. Sistema nervoso centrale. Testo atlante di anatomia per lo studente. Piccin-Nuova Libraria, 2013.
Power Point presentations; textbooks (see list); articles in Ariel web site.
Reference books:
Principles of neural science - Kandel - Koester - Mack. McGraw-Hill, 2021.
Gray's Anatomy. 41esima edizione, S.Standring. Elsevier, 2015.
Ariel Website will be available with further explanations and articles (https://aamadeonas.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx).
Vercelli - Boido - Bertini - Macchiarelli - AAVV - Neuroanatomia Funzionale · Idelson-Gnocchi, 2019
Fitzgerald. Neuroanatomia con riferimenti funzionali e clinici. E. Mtui, G. Gruener, P. Dockery. Edra, 2017
G. Grasso. Sistema nervoso centrale. Testo atlante di anatomia per lo studente. Piccin-Nuova Libraria, 2013.
Power Point presentations; textbooks (see list); articles in Ariel web site.
Reference books:
Principles of neural science - Kandel - Koester - Mack. McGraw-Hill, 2021.
Gray's Anatomy. 41esima edizione, S.Standring. Elsevier, 2015.
Ariel Website will be available with further explanations and articles (https://aamadeonas.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral examination on course topics and presentation, in Italian language, of an article (25% of the overall assessment) to choose from a proposed list (see Ariel website). This presentation could be evaluated also in itinere, i.e. during the course.
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)