Anatomy Module 1 – Upper Limb Dissection

Module 1 – Unit 1.1

• Superficial Dissection of the Upper Limb
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Complete the basic medical history sheet.
  • Identify the bones of the upper limb and their named parts on the skeleton.
  • Understand the innervation of the skin and the concept of dermatomes.
  • Understand the difference between superficial and deep fascia.
  • Describe the superficial veins of the upper limb.
  • Understand the clinical applications associated with the skin and superficial veins.

Summary

• Bony landmarks are important for muscle and tendon attachment, relevant to musculoskeletal disorders.
• Upper limb joints allow diverse hand positions relative to the body.
• Superficial veins (cephalic and basilic) arise from the dorsal venous arch of the hand.
• The cephalic vein ascends to the axillary vein.
• The basilic vein, mid-arm, joins the brachial artery to form the axillary vein.
• Cutaneous nerves are branches of the main nerves, crucial for sensory function.
• Deep to the skin is deep fascia, which isolates muscles and other structures, preventing infection spread.

Module 1 – Unit 1.2

• Compartments of the Arm
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Describe the landmarks and regions of the arm.
  • Understand the attachments and functions of the muscles of the anterior compartment.
  • Describe the boundaries and contents of the cubital fossa.
  • Describe the course and branches of the brachial artery.
  • Describe the course of the musculocutaneous, median, ulnar and radial nerves in the arm.
  • Understand the attachments and functions of the muscle in the posterior compartment.
  • Understand some common clinical applications associated with the arm.

Summary

• The arm is divided into anterior and posterior compartments by intermuscular septa.
• The arm's anterior compartment has muscles (biceps brachii, brachialis, and coracobrachialis) supplied by the musculocutaneous nerve.
• Brachialis is the main elbow flexor.
• Coracobrachialis is an adductor and weak flexor of the shoulder.
• The posterior compartment chiefly contains the triceps brachii muscle, supplied by branches of the radial nerve.
• Other important structures in the compartments include the median and ulnar nerves and the brachial artery.

Module 1 – Unit 1.3

• Compartments of the Forearm
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Describe the attachments and functions of the muscles of the anterior compartment.
  • Understand the course and branches of the brachial artery in the forearm.
  • Describe the course of the median and ulnar nerves with their branches in the forearm.
  • Describe the attachments and functions of the muscles of the posterior compartment.
  • Describe the course of the radial nerve and its branches in the forearm.
  • Understand the concept of the carpal tunnel and its contents.
  • Understand some common clinical applications associated with the forearm.

Summary

• The forearm has anterior and posterior compartments separated by an interosseous membrane.
• The anterior compartment muscles, innervated by the median and ulnar nerves, are responsible for wrist and hand flexion.
• The posterior compartment muscles are largely controlled by the radial nerve and are primarily for wrist extension and forearm supination.
• The carpal tunnel houses several tendons within a fibrous sheath.

Module 1 – Unit 1.4

• The Axilla, Brachial Plexus, and Breast
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Describe the boundaries and contents of the axilla.
  • Describe the anatomy of the breast, its blood supply and lymphatic drainage.
  • Describe the courses of the axillary artery and vein.
  • Identify the regions of the body that drain to the axillary lymph nodes.
  • Understand the formation of the brachial plexus and describe its branches systematically.
  • Identify the muscles innervated by the different branches of the brachial plexus.
  • Describe the clinical presentations of injuries to different parts of the brachial plexus.

Summary

• The axilla is a pyramidal space between the arm and the lateral chest wall, where the brachial plexus forms.
• The brachial plexus has cords which are anterior and posterior, providing nerve supply to the upper limb.
• The axillary artery is a direct continuation of the subclavian artery, providing important branches for the upper limb.
• The axillary vein is formed by the union of the basilic and brachial veins and drains into the subclavian vein.
• Lymph nodes in the axilla receive lymph from the breasts, upper limb, and other structures.

Module 1 – Unit 1.5

• The Pectoral Girdle and Vertebral Column
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Know how the upper limb interacts with the trunk and axial skeleton.
  • Understand the articulations of the pectoral girdle and the scapulothoracic articulation.
  • Describe the superficial back muscles and their role in moving the scapula and upper limb.
  • Identify the principal parts of the vertebral column and its movements.
  • Identify the components of a typical vertebra and the regional differences.
  • Understand the path of the exiting spinal nerve.
  • Understand the common clinical applications associated with the pectoral girdle.

Summary

• The pectoral girdle (scapula and clavicle) connects the upper limb to the axial skeleton.
• The scapulothoracic joint allows for complex scapula movements for upper limb function
• The vertebral column comprises multiple interconnected vertebrae and supports the body.
• Each vertebra contains a vertebral body, a neural arch, and processes. Regionally, vertebrae show variability.
• Spinal nerves pass through intervertebral foramina, contributing to regional variation in spinal nerve exit points and functions.

Module 2 – Unit 2.1

• The Triangles of the Neck
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Understand and describe the different fascial planes of the neck.
  • Describe the boundaries of the anterior triangle of the neck.
  • Understand the courses and relations of the important nerves and vessels in this region.
  • Identify the thyroid gland and the position of its isthmus.
  • Describe the attachments and actions of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius.
  • Describe the boundaries of the posterior triangle of the neck and its contents.
  • Understand the clinical applications associated with the triangles of the neck.

Summary

• The neck's fasciae include investing, pretracheal, carotid, and prevertebral layers, which create compartments holding various structures.
• The anterior triangle boundaries are the midline, inferior mandible, and anterior SCM.
• Important structures within the anterior triangle include the thyroid gland, common/internal/external carotid arteries, jugular veins, and vagus nerves.
• The posterior triangle is bounded by the posterior SCM, anterior trapezius, and inferior clavicle.
• Neurovascular structures related to the brachial plexus, such as the spinal accessory nerve, pass through the posterior triangle.

... (and so on for the rest of the modules)