The course goals of Structure and Function are designed to prepare students for their clinical training and their medical careers with a sound understanding of details of the structural framework of the human body, coordinated at all stages with specifics of biological functions.  Beginning with cell biology and histological studies of tissues and proceeding to organ and whole-body levels, the yearlong anatomy component includes regionally organized, cadaveric dissection of the human body.  Physiological function is presented in systems topics, which establish the organizational basis of the blocks of the curriculum. 

Students will learn the structural organization and functional details of (1) cells and tissues; (2) the muscles, skeletal elements, and nerve and blood supplies of limbs; (3) the heart and cardiovascular system; (4) the lungs and respiratory system; (5) the gastrointestinal system, including liver and pancreas; (6) the kidneys and urinary system; (7) the male and female reproductive systems; and (8) the brain and human nervous system.  The lectures and laboratory studies are enhanced by training and hands-on experiences with ECG, pulmonary testing, medical imaging, problem solving, patient simulations, and a variety of group exercises. 

The Structure and Function Theme prepares our students for their careers as medical professionals by providing knowledge in three major areas:

(1) details of the structure and organization of the human body (anatomy, cell biology, histology)

(2) sequences and mechanisms of human development (embryology)

(3) details of functional mechanisms of organs and organ systems (physiology)

• To guide and direct both physical and medical examination of a patient
• To define physiological and functional testing
• To direct interpretation of laboratory results
• To define diagnostic medical imaging
• To aid awareness of when and where developmental malformations occur
• To direct interpretation of clinical observations
• To aid in the physical, surgical, and medical treatment of a patient
• normal anatomy versus anatomical variations or injury
• To provide a basis for understanding normal adult structure and function versus developmental variations and anomalies
• To provide a basis for understanding normal physiology versus pathophysiology or disease
• To provide a basis for understanding the integrative nature of organ system structure and function in maintaining the health of a patient

Prerequisite: enrollment in the M.D. degree program