The course Anatomy is a compulsory course in the first year of the Integrated Undergraduate and Graduate University Study of Medicine in English. It consists of 56 hours of lectures, 40 hours of seminars, and 145 hours of practicals - overall 241 hours (22 ECTS).
Course objective
The basic aim of Anatomy is to provide the acquisition of knowledge about morphological and structural organization of the human body through the study of topographic and systematic anatomy. In detail, the course content encompasses the fundamentals of osteology, sindesmology, myology, as well as the basics of angiology and neurology. Additionally, the course covers the examination of bones, articulations, and muscles of the upper and lower limbs, as well of the head and trunk. Furthermore, detailed knowledge is elucidated regarding the topographical anatomy of various regions, such as the head and neck, including the regio temporalis, regio parotideomasseterica et retromandibular, regio palpebralis, regio faciei anterior (external nose, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinuses), fossa infratemporalis et pterygopalatina, cavum oris et trigonum submandibulare, trigonum caroticum, spatium parapharyngeum, regio colli media, regio colli lateralis, regio pectoralis et fossa axillaris, as well as the topographical anatomy of the upper limb (muscles, vessels, nerves, and lymph vessels), thorax, abdomen, lesser pelvis (including ventral abdominal wall and inguinal region, peritoneum and mesenteries, peritoneal cavity, extraperitoneal spaces, and the lesser pelvis), and the lower limb (muscles, vessels, nerves, and lymph vessels). In addition, the course covers the morphology of sensory organs, the spinal cord, spinal nerves, the brain, cranial nerves, brain vasculature, and meninges. Each student must obtain the skill in recognizing structures on the human cadaver specimen and the ability to use relevant anatomical nomenclature.
Course content:
General anatomy: basic principles of osteology, sindesmology, myology, angiology and neurology. Principles of organ structure. Structure and function of serous membranes. Anatomical nomenclature, main planes and axes in the body orientation.
Special anatomy: systemic and topographic anatomy of the upper and lower limb, cranium, head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis. Morphology of the brain and spinal cord.
Course learning outcomes
I. Cognitive domain – knowledge
After having passed the Anatomy course, students should be able to:
1. define and choose adequate planes and axes for anatomical orientation
2. describe and explain the arrangement and position of organs in the body and their innervation and irrigation
3. describe, explain and connect general principles in the structure of organs with their function
4. describe and explain the systematic and topographical anatomy of the upper and lower extremities
5. define and explain the structure and relationships in the skeleton of the head
6. describe and explain the morphology of the central nervous system
7. define, describe and explain the systematic and topographical anatomy of the head and neck
8. describe and explain systematic and topographical anatomy of the chest, abdominal and pelvic cavity
9. demonstrate and self evaluate structures of human body on anatomical specimens
II. Psychomotor domain – skills
After having passed the Anatomy course, students should acquire the skills to identify and demonstrate anatomical structures on cadavers, as well as the ability to draw conclusions regarding the interrelationships of individual organs and structures within specific topographical regions.
Course design
For practicals and seminars, students are obliged to prepare in advance, because these parts of the course are designed as “flipped classrooms”. Seminars and practicals are designed to give students the opportunity to engage in the skillful articulation of anatomical structures, as well as to discuss the significance of anatomical knowledge within their future vocation as medical practitioners. Throughout the practical sessions, the instructor supervises and assesses the active involvement of students in carrying out the assigned exercises. Seminars demand dynamic discussions on the designated topics. During the course, knowledge is consistently evaluated through five periodic assessments (midterm exams), each comprising of a practical segment on specimens, as well as an oral component. The schedule and course content are predetermined by the curriculum.