A clinically oriented study of the structures and functions of the human musculoskeletal system. Relevant biochemistry, histology, anatomy, physiology, neurobiology, and clinical skills are integrated into case discussions and authentic clinical experiences.
Athena Title
Musculoskeletal System
Prerequisite
Students must be enrolled in the first year of the Doctor of Medicine curriculum
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Student learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to identify and relate the anatomical structures of the deep back, gluteal region, shoulder and scapular regions, upper extremity, and lower extremity and their associated neural and vascular supply.
By the end of this course, students will be able to describe the embryologic development of skeletal muscle and limbs.
By the end of this course, students will be able to identify the features of connective tissues, muscle, and nervous tissue in histologic images.
By the end of this course, students will be able to describe the physiologic functions of muscle, bone, nerves, and associated connective tissue.
By the end of this course, students will be able to recognize principles of muscle and bone metabolism as they relate to nutrition, enzymes, metabolic control, and repair and remodeling.
By the end of this course, students will be able to explain pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal disease and apply this knowledge in case-based discussion of patients with select neuromuscular or skeletal diagnoses.
By the end of this course, students will be able to identify public health principles and social, environmental, and structural determinants of health.
By the end of this course, students will be able to utilize appropriate resources to answer scientific and clinical questions relevant to course content.
By the end of this course, students will be able to obtain vital signs on both standardized and real-world patients.
By the end of this course, students will be able to collect history from a standardized patient with a neuromuscular or skeletal concern.
By the end of this course, students will be able to describe methods for examining large joints and perform examination of the back, muscular system, and nervous system on a standardized patient.
By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate level-appropriate effective communication and interpersonal skills when delivering patient-centered care in simulated and real-world patient encounters.
By the end of this course, students will be able to describe the basic tenets of professionalism and ethical principles as related to patient-centered care and the medical profession.
Topical Outline
● Gross anatomy of the back and spine, gluteal region, shoulder, brachial plexus, upper limb, and lower limb.
● Histological features of muscle, bone, cartilage, connective tissue, and nervous tissue.
● Physiologic function of the musculoskeletal system including biomechanics, muscle activation, neuromuscular coordination, metabolism and nutrition, muscle repair, bone remodeling, thermoregulation, and neuron communication.
● Normal development of the musculoskeletal system and limbs.
● Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of selected musculoskeletal conditions.
● Select topics related to evidence-based medicine, clinical decision making, ethics, and social determinants of health.
● Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
● Collection of patient vital signs and history and performance of clinical examinations related to course content.
● Select topics related to professional behavior, ethics, personal development, resilience, and professional identity formation.
