Functional Neuroanatomy and Neuroimage

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes will use audiovisual material to emphasize functional anatomy in relation to biology at several levels of organization. The focus on practical examples using imaging modalities, atlases, exposure to virtual or real models, will be also be emphasized.

Learning Outcomes

The focus will be on solid understanding of functional neuroanatomy to ensure that the student achieves a tigh conceptual understanding of the links between structure and function of the nervous system.  Anatomical and physiological  facts will be jointly explored. The student will also be exposed to neuroimaging techniques that are used to explore brain structure and function in vivo, both in humans and animals. Anatomical structures and physiological function should be correlated with the imaging modalities used to view them, as well as analytic methods to explore them. At the conclusion of this course the student should be able to demonstrate mechanistic knowledge of basic neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neuroimaging techniques, instrumental to understand normal brain function and disease, in the context of translational neuroscience.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The course surveys the physiology and functional anatomy of touch, vision, audition, vestibular sensation, olfaction and taste, movement, attention, reward and memory. Both the normal functioning and particular pathologies of these systems will be discussed. We will also address basic principles or the nervous systems (columnar maps, topological relationships). The course also surveys important neuroimaging investigative techniques.

It covers structure and subdivisions of the nervous system, organizing principles of functional neuroanatomy, such as contralaterality, topography, and bilateral symmetry.

Topics include: gross anatomy of central and peripheral nervous systems; sensory systems, especially special systems (vision, auditory, gustatory), motor systems, and functional hemisphere and cortical organization. Neuropathology of stroke, progressive diseases, traumatic brain injury and other neurological disorders.

Head Lecturer(s)

Miguel Sá Sousa Castelo Branco

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

- Gray's Anatomy -Elsevier. By Susan Standring, PhD, DSc

2016 - Chapters on the Function of the Nervous System

This book links anatomy and physiology and covers major advances in imaging techniques and the new insights they bring are fully captured in new state-of-the-art X-ray, CT, MR, and ultrasonic images.

The eBook version is richly enhanced with additional content and media, covering all the body regions. This unlocks a whole new level of related information, interactivity and understanding of anatomical, physiological and cell biology information.

- Research articles, reviews provided by the teaching body.