Comprehensive Neuroanatomy Course
In Brain Part I, patterns emerge amongst the sulci and gyri of the brain. These serve as the basis of anatomic signs of cerebral surface anatomy and demarcate key functional areas.
Other contents include:
-Sylvian fissure. Largest sulcus and key landmark of the lateral convexity.
-Cingulate region. Encircles the corpus callosum, underlies the frontal and parietal lobes, and relates to the limbic temporal lobe.
-Frontal lobe. Custodian of executive function, Broca's area, and motor control.
The parietal lobe is introduced as a final prelude to the central sulcus.
Other contents include:
-Central Sulcus. The most important surface landmark to identify. Classic signs abound.
-Occipital Lobe. Rounds out presentation of lobar anatomy.
-Temporal Lobe. Numerous lesser known signs and great functional heterogeneity.
The deeper structures of the brain are explored.
Contents include:
-Insula. The hidden lobe.
-Basal Ganglia, Thalamus, & Hypothalamus. More than meets the eye.
-White Matter. Information highways between cerebrum, deep gray, brainstem, and cerebellum.
-Brain Stem. An array of unique external contours.
-Cerebellum. 'Little brain' with its own set of anatomic signs.
Cerebrospinal & Interstitial Fluid
CSF and (underappreciated) Interstitial Fluid are detailed as the second major intracranial substance according to the Monroe-Kellie doctrine.
Other contents include:
-Ventricles. Where choroid plexus filters blood.
-Cisterns. House key neurovascular structures and network of inner arachnoid membranes.
-Perivascular Spaces. Mimickers of and conduits for disease.
-CSF Case Studies. Applied anatomy shows the dynamic and critical role of CSF.
Sutures, fissures, foramen and a diverse landscape of osseous ridges, planes, and processes form a 3D jigsaw puzzle of another set of anatomic patterns and signs.
Contents include:
-Skull. Protector of the brain.
-Face. Framework of buttresses, network of bones/sutures & neurovascular passages.
-Skull Base. Glues the skull, face, and spine together. More neurovascular passages.
-Temporal Bone. A labyrinth of channels, air cells, special organs, densest bone, and tiniest bones.
-Craniovertebral Junction. Crucial, but often de-emphasized no-man's land.
Soft Tissues of the Head and Neck
Pivots from signs to spaces. Space of origin largely drives the differential diagnosis. Spatial extent impacts staging and treatment approach.
Contents include:
-Orbit. Window to the brain.
-Suprahyoid Neck. Spaces of the face and upper pharynx.
-Infrahyoid Neck. Hypopharynx, larynx, thyroid.
-Lymphoid Tissue and Lymph Nodes. A Pharyngeal ring and cervical levels.
The spine is endowed with its own set of osseous, soft tissue, CSF, and neural elements.
Contents include:
-Cervical Spine. Vertebrae nearly constant in number but quite variable in configuration.
-Thoracic Spine. A no-man's-land of fixed vertebrae.
-Lumbar Spine. Variable vertebrae number and transitional segments.
-Sacrum, SI joint Complex, and Coccyx. The fused vertebrae.
-Spinal Alignment. Scoliosis, sagittal balance, pelvic tilt.
Builds on all prior sections with artery and vein relationship to the brain, CSF spaces, soft tissue spaces, foramen, and spine.
Contents include:
-Intracranial Arteries. The circle of Willis and branches course through CSF spaces and sulci.
-Extracranial Arteries. Carotid and vertebral arteries supply the face, neck, spine & head.
-Venous structures of the Head and Neck. Dural venous sinuses and veins.
-Neurovascular Anatomy of the Spine. Special considerations of the arteries and veins.