Anatomy and physiology 3 (5 ECTS)

Learning outcomes

The student
• can explain the functioning of a nerve impulse and a synapse
• recognise the main structures of the central nervous system and can broadly describe their key purposes and functioning in coordination
• can describe the key features of motor control
• is able to explain the main features of the structure of the autonomous nervous system and its key impacts on the functioning of the body
• is able to explain the structures and functions of the peripheral nervous system that impact human functional capacity
• recognises neural pathways and can locate the key structures of the musculoskeletal system using palpation and sonopalpation
•understands the basics of body composition and its evaluation.

Content

• Nerve impulse and how a synapse functions
• Nervous system developmental milestones
• Parts of the brain and their core tasks
• Structure of the spinal cord, spinal cord tracts and where the spinal nerves originate
• Main features of motor control from the perspective of functional capacity
• The importance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic system in the autonomic nervous system for regulating the functioning of the body
• Nerve plexuses, the nerves originating from them and their innervation targets
• Basics of torso and head innervation
• Identification and location of structures with palpation
• Use of ultrasound devices in palpation
• Evaluating body composition

Prerequisites

Student knows the basics of body functions and structures and assessment of functioning.
Learning and Study Skills
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Basics of Functional Capacity Assessment
Basic Medical Studies in the Rehabilitation Sector
Basics of Therapeutic Exercise

Teaching methods

lectures (mainly on campus)
learning assignments

Location and time

Myllypuro campus, 19.8.2025 - 22.10.2025

Learning materials and recommended literature

NEUROANATOMY AND -PHYSIOLOGY:
- Thieme, atlas of anatomy, Latin nomenclature
- lecture hand-outs and other course material

SONOPALPATION:
- course material (hints and experiences)

Alternative completion methods of implementation

N/A

Internship and working life connections

-

Exam dates and retake possibilities

1. exam (central nervous system) 4.9.2025
2. exam (peripheral nervous system) 10.10.2025
Re-exams: November and December 2025

International connections

N/A

Content scheduling

Neuroanatomy and -physiology (including palpation) 3 ECTS

Sonopalpation 1 ECTS

Further information for students

SONOPALPATION:
Sonopalpation requires hands-on learning, and attendance is compulsory. Absences will be compensated by attending a lesson with another group. At the beginning of each lesson, we will discuss safe and reliable use of the equipment. It is therefore important to arrive on time. In case you are late for the start of the lesson, you will be given a reflective assignment.

Assessment methods and criteria

Neuroanatomy and -physiology: 2 exams

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Mastery of the subject matter is at least 50% of what is asked.
Students systematically use professional concepts of foreign origin.
Students identify anatomical structures and repeat their meaning.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Mastery of the subject matter is at least 70% of what is asked.
Students expertly use professional concepts of foreign origin.
Students identify and describe anatomical structures and discover connections between structure and function.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Mastery of the subject matter is at least 90% of what is asked.
Students widely and expertly use professional concepts of foreign origin. for example when answering essay questions.
Students identify anatomical structures and explain their function by analysing connections between structure and function.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Mastery of the subject matter is at least 50% of what is asked.
Students systematically use professional concepts of foreign origin.
Students identify anatomical structures and repeat their meaning.