Dissectible Me 5 minute anatomy

The Brain (The basics of the obvious lumpy bits)

This week let us follow in the footsteps of our neuroscientist predecessors, reviewing their discoveries that linked the physical anatomy of the brain to corresponding basic functions. Discoveries that were largely steeped in the concept of reverse engineering, linking brain damage to functional loss. What are the main subcomponents of the brain and basically speaking what do they do?
In today's episode, we will discuss the cerebrum, brainstem, and cerebellum, and for each, we outline an overview of their very basic function. We review grey vs white matter, the cerebral cortex, and the major lobes of the brain mapping location and function as we go. Many more podcasts on this topic to come.

The Liver

Pub quiz time. Which organ is the second largest in the body with about 400 functions?  Need another clue...? It is an abdominal organ that Chris refers to as the axolotl of the abdomen due to its regenerative abilities? Alternatively, you could just read the title. 
Today we talk about the anatomy of the Liver. An introduction to its functions (briefly), position, lobes, blood supply, and innervation. 

The Larynx

This week let's introduce another organ, the Larynx. 
What actually is the larynx? Let's explore the basics of its cartilages, muscles, membranes and neurovascular supply, discussing its functions along the way. We also introduce the terms phonation, dysphonia, and articulation.
A future podcast will take a much deeper dive into the structure but for now, enjoy the simplicity of this truly wonderful melodic organ. You have to love the puns in anatomy. 

The Stomach

Today we will take you through an introduction to the anatomy of the stomach. The acid and enzyme-laden muscular carrier bag inside your abdomen, that stores, churns up, and starts the digestion of food. We explore its location, function, blood supply, and innervation with some clinical relevance mixed in. 

The External carotid artery & Extradural haematoma

This week let's explore the branchy sibling of the internal carotid artery or offspring of the common carotid...the EXTernal carotid artery. Whilst exploring its branches we should also discuss how an extradural haematoma links to this area of anatomy. 
So write down the following mnemonic sentence and listen in;
"Some Anatomists Like Freaking Out Poor Medical Students".
 
 

Arteries at joints and collateral circulation

You have probably heard of a tourniquet but do you know the names of the arteries they are compressing in limb trauma? 
Today Sam explores the arterial supply to the limbs and the important concept of collateral blood supply found at joints. 
 
 
 

The Circle of Willis

Continuing with arterial circulation let's explore the cerebral arterial circle or circulus arteriosus, more commonly known as the Circle of Willis. Simply put the blood supply to the brain. 
Today we discuss the arteries that make up the infamous circle. The internal carotid, anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries or the ACA, MCA, and PCA. We also give a nod to the brain's vertebrobasilar system and the cerebellar arteries (AICA & PICA) Finally, we explore the concept of our cerebral anastomotic circulation that safeguards us from ischemia. 
Have a go at listening to the podcast whilst looking at a labelled image of the Circle of Willis.   

Major arteries

Listening to this episode will not be in vain, because we are going to discuss your arteries......😐 
Today we talk about the major arteries that course around the human body. Identifying where one artery begins and the other ends. We also explore some of their major branches, aiming to provide a solid introduction to your arterial system and in doing so revising blood supply. 
 

The Cardiac conduction system

This week is "electric"! Would your heart really continue beating if it were suddenly torn from your body? What is a cardiac arrhythmia? And why on earth are there so many abbreviations used in cardiology? With the exception of the last one, the answers can be found this week as we explore the conduction system of the heart.
Terms we discuss are; The Sinoatrial (SA) node, Atrioventricular (AV) node, Bundle of His, left and right bundle branches, and the Purkinje fibres. Now you see why we abbreviate..... catchy!

Anatomy of the Heart

This week we will get to the very heart of human anatomy.....literally we are talking about the heart.
We will discuss the basics of the organ, its chambers, the coronary vessels, and again link structure to function.