VET30360 Neurobiology and structures of the head

Academic Year 2020/2021

Principles of neurological communication and overall neural coordination of body function will be dealt with in this module. Following an introduction to general principles of nervous system and neural conduction, emphasis will be focused on understanding the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system, with particular stress on the sensory systems. The topographical/developmental anatomy and the physiology of the structures as they occur in the head and neck will be dealt with on a comparative species basis, although with particular focus on the dog and the horse. Clinical and radiological aspects of the head and neck, where relevant, will be underlined.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module the student should be able to:
Describe the functional anatomy of nerve cells.
Describe the basis of cell excitability in nerve cells.
Recognise that divisions of the nervous system correlate with different steps in reflex function.
Describe the overall topographical, developmental, comparative and integrated structure and function of the head and neck in both farmed, sport and companion animal species.
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the organs of special sense in the domestic species.
Demonstrate basic competency in applying knowledge and skills to clinical scenarios and veterinary clinical case material.
Work in a group to prepare and present project work relating to the basic and clinical sciences of veterinary neural function and head topographical anatomy.

Indicative Module Content:

The module will consist of
12 Lectures of 1 hr each
12 eLectures and self-directed learning sessions of 1 hr each
12 Practical sessions of 3 hrs each
3-4 histology sessions of 2 hrs each
In addition to the above Specified Learning Activities of 15 hrs and Autonomous Student Learning of 54 hrs is expected.

The above sessions will cover
1. Functional anatomy of nervous system.
2. Developmental and functional anatomy of various structures in the head including micro and macro anatomical features.

Brief outline of contents:
Neurophysiology fundamentals
Key neurophysiology concepts
Functional anatomy of the skull.
Overview of key embryological events
Synapse and nerve transmission
The face: identification of major structures,
Dissect the brain to understand gross structures
Dental anatomy of the domestic species
Spinal development and Spinal Reflexes
Median section of the head
Facial nerves and Trigeminal neuralgia
Somatosensory system, Chemoreception (Taste, smell).
Pharynx and larynx dissection
Pharyngeal pouches and archs
Neurophysiology of Pain
Vet Dentistry, Ageing the horse, bovine and dog.
Development of salivary glands
Muscles of mastication, TMJ and swallowing
Developmental-Anatomy of the Ear
Physiology of hearing and Vestibular System
Developmental-Anatomy of the Eye
Sensory Physiology vision
ANS supply to head.
Consciousness, EEG, motivation, and emotion
Foramine in the skull
Development of face / oral cavity / cleft palate
Muscle tone, Movement and ANS
The eye and orbit
Histology of Nasal cavity, soft palet, Guttural pouch and para/thyroid gland
Histology of Oral cavity and Associated structures
Histology and development of endocrine system in brain and pineal gland.
Development of brain, CSF, pituitary, hypothalamus
Blood and nerve supply to head. Cerebral Circulation, CSF, Blood Brain Barrier
Dissect the brainstem
Development of cranial nerves
Dissect the brain, brain blood supply

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12

Tutorial

12

Practical

32

Specified Learning Activities

15

Autonomous Student Learning

54

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures will delivered on specific topic each week. The lectures slides will be uploaded on Brightspace well in advance for the students to review and facilitate optimal engagement in the class.
eLectures and self-directed learning sessions will involve brief overview on specific topics for the student to further engage (either individually or in groups) with the topic for deeper learning.
The Practical sessions will involve dissection of cadavers to achieve deeper understanding of functional anatomy of structures in the head.
The histology sessions will be delivered based on a workshop activity model to understand micro and macro anatomical features of structures in the head. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students attending this module must have a strong foundation in University level biological sciences.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Co-requisite:
VET30330 - Cells, Tissues, Organs & Dev

Incompatibles:
VET20030 - Head & Nervous System

Additional Information:
Students require this module or must demonstrate equivalent prior learning.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: written paper 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded Yes

50

Continuous Assessment: Students will asked to answer MCQs after every 2-3 wks of teaching. Throughout the Trimester n/a Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No

15

Examination: Practical- MCQ based End of trimester MCQ No Alternative non-linear conversion grade scale 50% No

20

Group Project: A group project focused on reflecting the functional anatomy knowledge on to relevant clinical neurology cases will have to be completed. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

15


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be given to students on a continuous basis during regular interaction sessions in dissection class. Students seeking specific feedback can seek an appointment with the faculty as required.

1. Veterinary Physiology 5th Ed, James G. Cunningham and Bradley G Klein. ISBN-13: 000-1437723616.

2. Physiology of Domestic Animals 2nd Ed, Oystein V Sjaastad, Olav Sand and Knut Hove. ISBN-13: 978-8291743073.

3. Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy, 4th Edition, Keith M. Dyce, Wolfgang O. Sack, C. J. G. Wensing. ISBN-13: 978-1416066071.

4. Anatomy of Domestic Animals: Systemic & Regional Approach by Chris Pasquini, Tom Spurgeon, Susan Pasquini. ISBN-13: 978-0962311420.

5. Guide to the Dissection of the Dog, 7e (.Net Developers Series) 7th Edition by Howard E. Evans, Alexander de Lahunta. ISBN-13: 978-1437702460.

6. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 4e 4th Edition by Virginia P. Studdert, Clive C. Gay, Douglas C. Blood. ISBN-13: 978-0702047435.

7. Rapid Review of ECG Interpretation in Small Animal Practice, by Anna R. Gelzer, Marc S. Kraus, and Mark A. Oyama. ISBN 9781840761986.

8. Atlas of Normal Radiographic Anatomy and Anatomic Variants in the Dog and Cat, 2nd Edition by Donald E. Thrall, Ian D. Robertson. ISBN: 978-0-323-31225-7.

9. Veterinary Embryology, Second edition, T. A. McGeady, P. J. Quinn, E. S. Fitzpatrick, M. T. Ryan, D. Kilroy, P. Lonergan.

10. Dellmann's Textbook of Veterinary Histology (6th Edition) 6th Edition by Jo Ann Eurell (Author), Brian L. Frappier (Author)
Name Role
Dr Nicola Fletcher Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr David Kilroy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Maurice Kinsella Tutor
Ms Margot Labberté Tutor
Ms Elise O'Byrne-White Tutor
Ms Michelle Purcell Tutor
Mr John Wyatt Tutor