Anatomy of the Chest, Neck, Abdomen, and Pelvis from Coursera

WARNING: THESE VIDEOS CONTAIN IMAGES OF HUMAN DISSECTION. MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME.

Human structure is important to all of us as it has been for millennia. Artists, teachers, health care providers, scientists and most children try to understand the human form from stick figure drawings to electron microscopy. Learning the form of people is of great interest to us – physicians, nurses, physician assistants, emergency medical services personnel and many, many others.

Learning anatomy classically involved dissection of the deceased whether directly in the laboratory or from texts, drawings, photographs or videos. There are many wonderful resources for the study of anatomy. Developing an understanding of the human form requires significant work and a wide range of resources.

In this course, we have attempted to present succinct videos of human anatomy. Some will find these images to be disturbing and these images carry a need to respect the individual who decided to donate their remains to benefit our teaching and learning.

All of the dissections depicted in the following videos are from individuals who gave their remains to be used in the advancement of medical education and research after death to the Yale School of Medicine.

The sequence of videos is divided into classic anatomic sections. Each video has a set of learning objectives and a brief quiz at the end. Following each section there is another quiz covering the entire section in order for you to test your knowledge.

We hope these videos will help you better understand the human form, make time that you may have in the laboratory more worthwhile if you have that opportunity and help you develop an appreciation of the wonderful intricacies of people.

ANATOMY OF THE CHEST, NECK, ABDOMEN, AND PELVIS WAS PRODUCED IN PART DUE TO THE GENEROUS FUNDING OF THE DAVID F. SWENSEN FUND FOR INNOVATION IN TEACHING.

This work was supported in part by the Kaplow Family Fund, Yale School of Medicine.

COURSE CURRICULUM: ANATOMY OF THE THORAX, HEART, ABDOMEN AND PELVIS

RECOMMENDED TEXT

GRAY’S ANATOMY FOR STUDENTS, RICHARD L DRAKE, ELSEVIER. ONLINE AND PRINT EDITIONS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE

ATLAS OF HUMAN ANATOMY, FRANK H NETTER, ELSEVIER. ONLINE AND PRINT EDITIONS.

We would like to thank all of those who have contributed to the creation of this course:

Charles C Duncan, MD, Producer & Director, Professor of Neurosurgery, Pediatrics and Surgery (Anatomy), Yale School of Medicine

William B Stewart, PhD, Associate Producer, Narration, Anatomist, Chief Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine

Shanta E Kapadia, MBBS, Anatomist, Lecturer in Anatomy, Section of Human Anatomy, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine

Linda Honan, PhD, Professor, Yale School of Nursing

Harry R Aslanian, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology) Yale School of Medicine

Jonathan Puchalski, MD, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary), Yale School of Medicine

Michael K. O’Brien, MD, PhD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine

Mahan Mathur, MD, Assistant Professor of Radiology and Bio-Medical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine

Lei Wang, MLS & Kelly Perry, Technical, Yale Medical Library

Anna Nasonova, Artist, Yale School of Architecture

Rachel Hill, Artist and Technical, Yale College

Philip Lapre, Technical, Section of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview and Introduction to the Physical Exam

This course has two main aims. The first aim is to teach you the language of medicine, and the second aim is to teach you to learn how to reason in three dimensions. Put in a more simple way, we're asking you to learn how to see and feel what you cannot see.

Chest Cavity and Lungs

This module aims to solidify your understanding of the relationship between the lungs and the body wall.

Anatomy of the Heart

Mediastinum and Great Vessels

These lectures discuss the Mediastinum. Recall the mediastinum is that region of the chest cavity that lies in the middle, between the left and right pleural cavities.

Anatomy of the Neck

These lectures discuss the anatomy of the neck.

Anatomy of the Abdomen

These lectures discuss the anatomy of the abdomen.

Abdomen (Duodenum and Pancreas)

These lectures discuss the anatomy of the heart.

Abdomen (Mesenteric Vessels, Retroperitoneum, and Kidneys)

These lectures discuss the mesenteric vessels, retroperitoneum, and kidneys.

Pelvis and Perineum

These lectures discuss the anatomy of the male and female pelvis and perineum.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Prepares learners to analyze human biology by understanding the structure of the human thorax, heart, abdomen, and pelvis

Taught by Charles Duncan, an expert in neurosurgery, pediatrics and surgery

Teaches through a sequence of succinct videos that may help visual learners

Explores concepts in anatomy through the lens of the physical exam

Provides an additional resource in Atlas of Human Anatomy by Frank H Netter

Warns of graphic images that may be disturbing to some viewers

Reviews summary

Thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic anatomy

Learners say this course, largely positive, provides engaging assignments to help students visualize the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis. Students say the detailed video dissections were particularly helpful, as were the clinical examinations that reinforce the real-world applications of anatomy. Students also highly recommend the digital practical exams throughout the course. Overall, students said this course was well-received and provided valuable knowledge that was presented in a way that was easy to understand.

This is a great course! Well structured with flawless presentation.

"This course is very informative and worth the investment of your time if you would like to learn more about the Anatomy of the Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis."

"I had already studied anatomy and I passed the exam in my university but we've never seen a real human body, this course was illuminating for me and I am grateful for all the detailled and well explained dissections."

"It was a well-prepared course in order to have sufficient anatomical knowledge in the aforementioned topics."

"Excelente curso, especialmente las disecciones en anfiteatro con donantes con excelentes técnicas de conservación."

The labs are fantastic. Perfect complementary material to anyone who is studying with a sole textbook

"Each week has its subject and you can test your knowledge with the quizes and practical exams. Would definitely recommend it for every student Medicine or Health Care!"

"I am very satisfied. For me I had to study like 40 hours a week because of my learning disability. The professors were clear and very specific. Gave us the greatest confidence and availability. Will miss their voice and presence."

"Excellent cours. Professeurs de haut niveau. j'ai surtout apprécié les vidéos de dissection. Vivement un autre cours sur la tête, cou et membres."

"This online course is very good !!!! It helps me improve and understand the anatomy knowledge that i still misunderstand with my native professors . Thanks a lot !!! "

I will recommend this course to a friends. The instructors are very knowledgeable.

"Great course. One of the instructors sounds exactly like Dr. Evil.The practical exams are fantastic for learning the concepts and physiology."

"It was great learning experience and there were few topics which were already completed in may med school for which I just took the review exam."

"Thank you for the free knowledge. The kindness is much appreciated, including all the donors and the volunteer. Thank you and stay blessed."

"It's a great course to revise as a medical student. Made some more difficult topics easier to visualize and remember. I'm glad I found it!"

The instructors are very knowledgeable.

"Great course. One of the instructors sounds exactly like Dr. Evil.The practical exams are fantastic for learning the concepts and physiology."

"I recommend this course to all medical students and anyone in a related field. don't miss this chance"

"Los vídeos de disecciones son excelentes, me sirvieron mucho para profundizar en la comprensión de las relaciones entre estructuras."

"Thank you for the free knowledge. The kindness is much appreciated, including all the donors and the volunteer. Thank you and stay blessed."

It's a great course to visualize anatomy.

"It was a really beneficial course, i am a first medical student and it was really helpful to get to know information that i couldn’t get throughout my first year."

"This course helped me to review my anatomical knowledge and the dissection videos are very helpful."

"I am not from a medical background, but I have an interest in human anatomy, so I keep learning as much about it as I can. I guarantee you that this course can give you so much to learn about the human anatomy that you would not regret giving this course a try."

"It's a very amazing real-life learning and I am so glad to have done this course :)"

This course really help me to review the material i've learned back on medical school.

"The videos of dissections are excellent, me sirvieron mucho para profundizar en la comprensión de las relaciones entre estructuras."

"I had already studied anatomy and I passed the exam in my university but we've never seen a real human body, this course was illuminating for me and I am grateful for all the detailded and well explained dissections."

"It was a well-prepared course in order to have sufficient anatomical knowledge in the aforementioned topics."

"Excelente curso, especialmente las disecciones en anfiteatro con donantes con excelentes técnicas de conservación."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Anatomy of the Chest, Neck, Abdomen, and Pelvis with these activities:

Review human body documentaries

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Reinforce anatomical knowledge in a visually engaging manner.

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Search for documentaries on human anatomy, such as The Human Body (BBC), Inside the Human Body (PBS), or Wonders of the Human Body (National Geographic).
Watch the documentaries and take notes on important anatomical concepts and structures.
Pause and rewind as needed to clarify understanding.
Discuss observations and insights with classmates or instructors.
Optional: Create a summary or mind map to consolidate knowledge.

Review Tortora's Principles of Anatomy and Physiology

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Reinforce understanding of anatomical structures and physiological principles.

View Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 16th... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of Tortora's Principles of Anatomy and Physiology.
Review the chapters corresponding to the topics covered in the course.
Pay attention to diagrams, illustrations, and tables to enhance comprehension.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Answer the review questions at the end of each chapter to assess understanding.

Volunteer at a hospital or clinic

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Gain practical experience and observe real-world applications of anatomy.

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Contact local hospitals or clinics to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend orientation and training sessions to ensure safety and compliance.
Shadow medical professionals and observe procedures related to anatomy.
Engage in conversations with patients and staff to gain insights into anatomical applications.
Participate in educational programs or workshops offered by the hospital or clinic.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Participate in a dissection study group

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Enhance practical knowledge and foster collaboration.

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Join or form a study group with classmates.
Obtain necessary materials, such as specimens, dissection tools, and protective gear.
Review the anatomical structures to be dissected in advance.
Work together to carefully dissect the specimens, discussing observations and findings.
Share insights and knowledge with group members.

Practice drawing the human body

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Improve spatial reasoning and understanding of human anatomy.

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Obtain a medical textbook or atlas featuring detailed human anatomy illustrations.
Select a section or region of the body to focus on, such as the skeletal system or the abdominal cavity.
Use a pencil and paper to carefully draw the structures of the chosen section, paying attention to proportions and relationships.
Compare your drawings to the illustrations in the textbook or atlas, and make corrections as needed.
Repeat the process for different sections of the body to enhance overall understanding of human anatomy.

Explore interactive anatomy simulations

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Enhance visualization and understanding of anatomical structures.

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Access online resources such as Kenhub, 3D4Medical, or Visible Body.
Select interactive simulations related to the topics being studied.
Follow the instructions and explore the simulations, rotating and dissecting virtual models.
Take notes or screenshots to capture important anatomical details.
Discuss findings and observations with classmates or instructors.

Create a 3D model of a body system

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Reinforce understanding of spatial relationships and system functionality.

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Choose a body system to focus on, such as the respiratory system or the cardiovascular system.
Use a software program (e.g., Blender, Maya) to create a 3D model of the selected system.
Ensure accuracy by referencing anatomical textbooks or online resources.
Animate the model to demonstrate its functionality (e.g., blood flow in the circulatory system, air flow in the respiratory system).
Present the 3D model to classmates or upload it online for peer review.

Design a patient education pamphlet on a specific anatomical topic

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Apply anatomical knowledge to communicate effectively with patients.

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Choose an anatomical topic relevant to a specific patient population.
Research and gather accurate information from medical sources.
Design a clear and concise pamphlet using appropriate language and visuals.
Include relevant diagrams, illustrations, or photographs.
Get feedback from instructors, peers, or a focus group to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

Career center

Learners who complete Anatomy of the Chest, Neck, Abdomen, and Pelvis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Medical Doctor

Medical doctors diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. They must have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This course can help medical doctors build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for medical doctors to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for medical doctors who need to assess patients before making treatment decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Doctor

Surgeon

Surgeons perform operations to treat diseases and injuries. They must have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This course can help surgeons build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for surgeons to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for surgeons who need to assess patients before performing surgery.

See salaries and explore the career path for Surgeon

Veterinarian

Veterinarians are responsible for the health and well-being of animals. They diagnose and treat animal diseases, perform surgeries, and provide preventive care. Veterinarians must have a strong understanding of animal anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This course can help veterinarians build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for veterinarians to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for veterinarians.

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Registered Nurse

Registered nurses provide direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They must have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This course can help registered nurses build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for registered nurses to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for registered nurses who need to assess patients before providing care.

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Physician Assistant

Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of physicians. They perform a variety of tasks, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and providing patient education. Physician assistants must have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This course can help physician assistants build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for physician assistants to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for physician assistants who need to assess patients before making treatment decisions.

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Chiropractor

Chiropractors diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal disorders. They must have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This course can help chiropractors build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for chiropractors to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for chiropractors who need to assess patients before developing treatment plans.

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Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers help athletes prevent and recover from injuries. They must have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This course can help athletic trainers build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for athletic trainers to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for athletic trainers who need to assess athletes before providing treatment.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help people regain or improve their ability to do everyday activities. They must have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This course can help occupational therapists build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for occupational therapists to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for occupational therapists who need to assess patients before developing treatment plans.

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Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help people regain movement and function after an injury or illness. They must have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This course can help physical therapists build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for physical therapists to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for physical therapists who need to assess patients before developing treatment plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. They must have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This course can help speech-language pathologists build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for speech-language pathologists to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for speech-language pathologists who need to assess patients before developing treatment plans.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. They must have a strong understanding of pharmacology and human anatomy. This course can help pharmacists build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for pharmacists to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for pharmacists who need to assess patients before dispensing medications.

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Massage Therapist

Massage therapists use massage to promote relaxation and relieve pain. They must have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This course can help massage therapists build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for massage therapists to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for massage therapists who need to assess clients before providing massage therapy.

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Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth and gums. They must have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This course can help dentists build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for dentists to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for dentists who need to assess patients before providing treatment.

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Medical Writer

Medical writers create written content about medical topics for a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. Medical writers must have a strong understanding of medical terminology and concepts. This course can help medical writers build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for medical writers to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for medical writers who need to accurately describe medical procedures.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers design and develop medical devices and technologies. They must have a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This course can help biomedical engineers build a strong foundation in these areas. The course covers the anatomy of the chest, neck, abdomen, and pelvis, which are all important areas for biomedical engineers to understand. Additionally, the course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical exam, which is an essential skill for biomedical engineers who need to assess patients before designing and developing medical devices and technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer