Course

Musculoskeletal Anatomy

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Biology
Course Code
BIOL 3100
Credits
5.00
Semester Length
15 Weeks
Max Class Size
28
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Typically Offered
To be determined

Overview

Course Description
The course entails an advanced exploration of the gross anatomy and microscopic structure of the human skeletal and muscular systems, including their vasculature, innervation, and joints. The location and structure of major components of the other organ systems are examined. The surface anatomy of the human body is examined to identify skeletal markings, muscles, and related structures, and to locate major organs. The functional and clinical relevance of selected anatomical topics is also discussed. The theory component is accompanied by laboratory activities and case studies.
Course Content

 1. Overview of the musculoskeletal system

1.1 Histology of bone, muscle, cartilage, and fibrous connective tissues

1.2 Axial and appendicular skeleton

1.3 Joints: classification and accessory structures (ligaments, menisci, bursae) 

1.4 Muscles of the axial and appendicular skeleton

1.4.1 Principle of muscular antagonism

1.4.2 Functions

1.4.3 Origins and insertions

1.4.4 Prime movers for various actions

2. Neuroanatomy

2.1 General organization of the human nervous system

2.2 Central motor systems: main motor pathways, cerebellum and basal ganglia

2.3 Peripheral nervous system: cranial nerves, spinal nerves and nerve plexuses

2.4 Somatosensory systems

3. Vascular anatomy

3.1 Blood vessel structure: arteries, veins and capillaries

3.2 Circulatory pathways: principal arteries and veins

4. Regional musculoskeletal anatomy (including regional neuroanatomy, vascular anatomy, surface markings, and major organs noted)

4.1 Head and neck (including the brain)

4.2 Trunk: back and thorax (including the heart and lungs)

4.3 Trunk: abdomen (including the kidneys and the major organs and accessory organs of the digestive system) and pelvis (including the urinary bladder)

4.4 Upper extremity

4.5 Lower extremity

5. Laboratory activities

5.1 Microscopic examination of musculoskeletal, nervous and vascular tissues

5.2 Animal dissections for the identification of musculoskeletal, nervous and vascular structures

5.3 Visual inspection and palpation of surface anatomical markings on self and peers

5.4 Identification of musculoskeletal structures and organs in anatomical models and/or plastinated specimens

5.5 Functional integration of the musculoskeletal and the nervous systems in the execution of specific motor actions, gait and balance

 

Learning Activities

Methods of instruction for this course will include some or all of the following: lecture, in-class individual and group activities, case study discussions, and laboratory activities.

Means of Assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.  The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:

Quizzes and/or assignments - 15-25%

Laboratory Work (reports and/or examinations) - 15-25%

Midterm Theory Examinations (2) - 30-40% (for both)

Final Theory Examination - 30-35%

Total - 100%

Note: A student who achieves less than 50% in either the lecture or laboratory portion of the course will earn a maximum P grade.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the successful student will be able to:

  1. Describe the microscopic structure of bone, muscle, cartilage, vascular, nervous and fibrous connective tissues.
  2. Describe the gross anatomy, major functions, and anatomical location of the organs of the nervous, respiratory, circulatory, urinary, and digestive systems.
  3. Identify the bones of the human skeleton and their main surface markings.
  4. Identify the muscles of the human body on anatomical models and specimens, and by visual inspection or palpation of surface anatomy.
  5. Discuss the motor actions of the main muscles of the human body.
  6. Classify joints based on their structure and function.
  7. Describe the neural pathways involved in the generation and control of movement, and in the reception and transmission of somatosensory information.
  8. Describe the circulatory pathways that supply blood to the main muscles and major organs of the body.
  9. Describe the regional musculoskeletal anatomy of the head, neck, trunk and limbs, including their bones, muscles, joints, nerves and blood vessels.
  10. Apply anatomical knowledge to predict the functional consequence of injury to selected bones, muscles, joints, nerves or blood vessels.
Textbook Materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.  Example textbooks and materials may include:

Human Anatomy by Elaine Marieb, Patricia Wilhelm, and Jon Mallatt, Pearson.

Requisites

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for BIOL 3100
Athabasca University (AU) AU BIOL 3XX (3)
Camosun College (CAMO) CAMO BIOL 2XX (3)
Columbia College (COLU) COLU BIOL 2nd (4)
Emily Carr University of Art & Design (EC) EC SCIE 300 lev (3)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) KPU BIOL 3XXX (4)
LaSalle College Vancouver (LCV) LCV BIO 2XX (3)
Northern Lights College (NLC) NLC BIOL 3XX (4)
Quest University (QU) QU TRN 3XXX (3)
Simon Fraser University (SFU) SFU BPK 325 (3) & SFU BPK 3XX (2)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU BIOL 3701 (3)
Trinity Western University (TWU) TWU BIOL 3XX (3)
University Canada West (UCW) UCW BIOL 3XX (3)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC HHSC 105 (3)
Vancouver Community College (VCC) VCC BIOL 2XXX (4)
Vancouver Community College (VCC) No credit

Course Offerings

Winter 2025

CRN
16970
section details
CRN Days Instructor Status More details
Maximum Seats
28
Currently Enrolled
28
Remaining Seats:
0
On Waitlist
1
Building
New Westminster - South Bldg.
Room
S3720
Times:
Start Time
11:30
-
End Time
14:20
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N1231
Times:
Start Time
14:30
-
End Time
16:20