Head, Neck, and Upper Limb Anatomy

This unit examines the anatomy and physiology of the special senses (vision, hearing, taste, smell), the cervical and thoracic regions of the spine, and the bones, joints, muscles, and neurovascular structures of the pectoral girdle and upper limb. Lessons emphasize hands-on identification, movement mechanics, and clinical correlations that build on foundational concepts and prepare students for systemic integration in the subsequent unit.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the structure and function of the special sensory organs (eye, ear, olfactory, and gustatory systems) and explain how these structures enable sensory perception and clinical assessment.
• Demonstrate identification and palpation of major skeletal landmarks, joints, and musculature of the neck, vertebral column, pectoral girdle, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand using models, dissections, or simulation.
• Apply principles of joint mechanics and muscle action to describe movements of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand, and relate these to common injuries and clinical tests (e.g., rotator cuff, brachial plexus, carpal tunnel assessments).
• Evaluate the functional and neurovascular relationships among the cervical spine, shoulder girdle, and upper limb to design safe assessment sequences and to identify implications for patient care and referral.