ANAT20070 Anatomy of the Thorax and Associated Structures

Academic Year 2022/2023

During this module, students will learn the anatomy of the thorax and the related airway structures. The relations of surface anatomy to the viscera, vessels and nerves within the thorax and mediastinum will be described. There will be a focus on the clinical relevance of the locations of structures within the thorax. The structures will be described with reference to their anatomical vertebral or costo-cartilage levels. The osteology, musculature and neurovascular structures of the thoracic wall, with attention to their roles in the mechanism of breathing will be described. The upper airway consisting of oral and nasal cavities, pharynx and larynx is also covered. The anatomy of the breast is also described, with a selection of pathologies described.
The development and gross anatomy of the heart will be described, with due attention to the pericardium, conducting system of the heart and the coronary vessels. The role of embryological development in the genesis of cardiac defects will be covered. Circulation in the embryo and foetus, and the vital physiological changes which occur at birth will be outlined.
The divisions of the mediastinum along with the origin, course, distribution and relations of the major vessels and nerves within the thorax will be examined. This module will also deal with gross anatomy of the lungs and pleura, with consideration of lung development and clinical implications.
Students will gain an appreciation of imaging of the thorax. This is useful for clinical practice as well as aiding the comprehension of structural relations and the appearance of normal versus pathological appearance of structures. Concepts will be illustrated with images in lectures and attendance at dissection room practicals will be emphasised as key in order to understand this complex and vital anatomical area.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Understanding of regional anatomy and the inter-relationships of structures within the thorax, in particular the mediastinum. Knowledge of the anatomy of the upper & lower airways to include the lungs and pleura as well as airway and lung histology.
1. The embryological development of the heart and lungs. This will include comprehension of genesis of the heart and detailed knowledge of atrial septation.
2. Knowledge of gross cardiac anatomy and understanding of structures in relation to function.
3. Understanding of circulation in the foetus and the changes that occur at birth.
4. Acquaintance with the structure of the thoracic wall and its role in breathing.
5. The anatomy of the breast.
6. Appreciation of surface anatomy as the basis for cardiorespiratory examination of the thorax.
7. Identification of all major thoracic structures on chest X-Ray & familiarity with alternative modes of thoracic imaging.

Indicative Module Content:

Anatomy of Heart
Embryology of the Heart
Circulation in the embryo and fetus
The mediastinum
The aorta in the thorax
The lungs and pleura
Anatomy of the breast
Autonom Nervous system and nerves of thorax
Veins and lymphatics of thorax
Osteology and joints of thorax
Muscles of respiration
Diaphragm and development of resp system
Fine structure of the airways and lungs
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses
Mouth palate and pharynx
Larynx and trachea
Surface anatomy of the thorax
Thoracic imaging 1 CXR
Thoracic imaging 2 CT
Translating theory into practice (review)

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

23
Practical

10
Autonomous Student Learning

67
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Anatomical dissection 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ANAT10120 - Clinical Human Anatomy II, ANAT10140 - Anatomy for Sports Science II, MDSA10080 - Cardiac Biology, MDSA10100 - Respiratory Biology, MDSA20180 - Cardiac Biology, MDSA20200 - Respiratory Biology

Equivalents:
Structure of the Thorax (MDSA10220)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Exit examination (MCQ and/or SAQ format) 1 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

70
Assignment: Tailored assignment Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20
Assignment: Dissection assignment Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

10

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn 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?

Group/class feedback on assignments during the trimester.

Name Role
Professor James Jones Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Thomas Campbell Tutor
Dr Dearbhaile Dooley Tutor
Dr Tom Flanagan Tutor
Assoc Professor Shane Foley Tutor
Professor Jason Last Tutor