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The module covers the anatomy of the central nervous system. It will familiarize students with the functions and connections of most parts of the human central nervous system.Ìý It comprises lectures and practical classes, but no in-course assessment.Ìý The first part of the module is an overview of the structure and function of the spinal cord, brainstem and cerebral hemispheres, the blood supply to the CNS, and the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. This is followed by a series of lectures that cover the major somatosensory and motor pathways, the thalamus, the cerebellum, the basal ganglia, the cerebral cortex, the limbic system, the control of autonomic and endocrine functions, and special sense pathways. There are also lectures on how movements are controlled, learning and memory, the biological basis of neurodegenerative disease, and regeneration in the nervous system. The module provides sufficient neuroanatomical background for students to take any of the third year Neuroscience modules. Practical work involves examining the external features and internal structure of brains, in the Anatomy Laboratory.

At the end of the module students are expected to be able to discuss the functions of the major structures of the brain and spinal cord; the blood supply of the CNS; the somatosensory and motor pathways, and how movements are controlled; the special sense pathways; the control of autonomic and endocrine functions; the limbic system; the anatomical basis of learning and memory; the biology of neurodegenerative diseases; and the response of the nervous system to injury. In the Anatomy Laboratory, students will be expected to identify and state the functions of important structures in human brains and in sections of spinal cord.

Indicative lecture list (based on a typical year's syllabus):

• Cells of the nervous system.
• Introduction to neuroanatomy.
• Spinal cord and descending tracts.
• Ascending tracts.
• Cerebral cortex and introduction to basal ganglia.
• Somatosensation and somatosensory cranial nerves.
• Motor systems and motor cranial nerves
• Basal ganglia
• Cerebellum.
• Thalamus.
• Limbic cortex.
• Hypothalamus.
• Autonomic nervous system.
• Visual system.
• Auditory system
• Imaging.
• Motor control.
• Limbic system.
• Gustatory and olfactory systems.
• Neurodegenerative disease
• Neuroanatomy of injury and repair.
• Neuroanatomy of sleep and states of consciousness.