Dissectible Me 5 minute anatomy

Basal ganglia

The basal ganglia should be called the basal nuclei, and are also referred to as the corpus striatum. This demonstrates one of the problems with studying neuroanatomy as terms seem to overlap. Let's talk about what the basal ganglia are, what they do, some of this terminology and what they have to do with Parkinson's disease.

Enteric nervous system

The enteric nervous system describes the nerves of the gastrointestinal tract that autonomously regulate much of its function. Sometimes called the second brain it is a complex network of sensory inputs linked to motor outputs organised into two major plexuses running the entire length of the gut.

Phrenic nerve

The phrenic nerve is well known for its role in innervating the diaphragm and its roots in the C3, 4 and 5 spinal nerves. It also innervates the pericardium, is implicated in the runner's stitch pain and can be responsible for pain in the shoulder.

Sciatic nerve

The largest nerve in the body has many spinal nerve roots in the low back that are often the cause of pain in the lower limb. Let's quickly describe the anatomy of this huge nerve.

Atherosclerosis - the artery disease

One of the huge reasons that exercise and a good diet are so important is atherosclerosis. This pathology describes a change to the walls of arteries that can cause narrowing, rupture or blocking of an artery. If this occurs in an artery supplying blood to the heart or the brain this will probably cause death, and is a leading cause of death in western countries.

Skin anatomy

It's the largest organ in the body (or on the body)? You can't live without it, it is an entire system of the body (the integumentary system), it is the major sensory organ, and it gets wrinkly as you get older. Skin!

Epithelium

There are only four tissues that make up the body (epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous). We should talk about epithelia and carcinoma.

Erb's palsy

Erb's palsy is an upper brachial plexus injury and is an example of why learning the anatomy of the brachial plexus is important. How does this palsy present and what has been injured?

Aorta

The aorta is the major artery that runs the length of the torso, has some cool curves, and supplies blood to everything.

Trendelenburg Gait

Gait is complicated, and Trendelenburg gait is an abnormal gait caused by a weakness or paralysis of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. How does this work? (Or not work)?