Dissectible Me 5 minute anatomy

What is the autonomic nervous system?

I'll try to describe what it is and its anatomy in a concise 5 minutes. Ish.

Posterior triangle of the neck

We can use surface anatomy landmarks to define triangles in the neck to help us locate anatomical structures deep to the skin. Within the posterior triangle of the neck we can find the roots of the brachial plexus, the subclavian artery and vein, and most importantly the accessory nerve (CN XI).

Anterior triangle of the neck

The anterior triangle of the neck is a region defined by surface anatomy landmarks that help you locate critical anatomical structures. Let's palpate together!

Hip joint

The bones, ligaments and synovial bits of the hip joint between the acetabulum of the pelvis and the head of the femur.

Lumbosacral plexus

The lumbosacral plexus is the anatomy of the low back and pelvis that forms the major nerves of the lower abdomen, pelvis and lower limb. It is not as susceptible to injury as the brachial plexus so clinically we understand the anatomy of this plexus a little differently, but it is important to be able to recall the spinal nerve roots of the major nerves here and the functions that will be lost if injured.

Upper and lower motor neurones

Understanding the anatomy of upper and lower motor neurones can be very useful when trying to use the results of an examination, signs and symptoms to diagnose the location of a neurological lesion. 

Spinal tracts neuroanatomy

Spinal tracts are bundles of neuronal axons that run through the spinal cord and brainstem. If we think about how neurones work, how they are bundled together with similar functions, which direction the action potentials are running in and the names of these tracts, we can remember what they all do.

Referred pain

Referred pain is felt at a different location in the body from the site that is causing the pain. There seems to be an anatomical reason for this and understanding the theories can help with diagnosis and patient care.

Urethra

Talking about the anatomy of the urethra and better understanding why women get more urinary tract infections than men.

Blood supply to the hand

The radial and ulnar arteries both supply blood to the hand and meet as two arches that send branches off to the fingers. This anatomy gives redundancy for the blood supply to the hand so let's talk about where these arteries run and how they branch.