Palmer College of Chiropractic West

Academics

Discipline of Anatomy (LA)

Courses include both gross and microscopic anatomy. Special emphasis is placed on clinical applications of knowledge gained from a complete study of human anatomy. The series of gross anatomy courses is designed to sequentially present the systems of the body. Special subdivisions of gross anatomy of primary importance to students of chiropractic (e.g., the neuromusculoskeletal system) receive a more detailed examination. Supporting laboratories utilize human cadaveric dissection, prosected cadaveric material and exercises in clinical anatomy.

Microscopic anatomy deals with examination of the human body on the cellular and tissue level in both the developmental and adult stages of life. Supporting laboratories utilize a series of prepared histologic slides.

Regional study of the human body, including: body wall and extremities; conceptual approach to fascial compartments; emphasis on clinical correlates. Human dissection laboratory. Palpation laboratory.

Cytoarchitectural components of the cell; morphologic and functional characteristics of tissues and organ systems. Laboratory: examination of color slides of the tissues and organs.

Audiovisual demonstration on mechanisms of human heredity; development of the human organism from fertilization to parturition; gametogenesis; fertilization; cellular proliferation and differentiation; organ-system development; emphasis on metameric components and their migration during fetal development.

Detailed study of the human spinal column, including: osteology, syndesmology and myology of the spinal column; radiographic recognition of spinal structures; emphasis on clinical correlates. Human dissection laboratory. Spinal palpation laboratory.

Regional study of the human body, including: thoracic and abdominal viscera, external genitalia, face, neurocranium, spinal column, and unique features of the spinal column related to an upright posture. Human dissection laboratory. Palpation laboratory.

Anatomical study of the nervous system, including: embryology; histology; internal structures and central circuitory of the human spinal cord and brain; formation, course, distribution, plexuses and central connections of spinal, cranial and autonomic nerves; correlation between morphologic and functional aspects. Laboratory: gross and microscopic specimens, models and audiovisual aids.

Spinal palpation laboratory.

Principles of biomechanics, including: static position and dynamic movement of the spine, pelvis and appendicular system; joint mechanics, muscle kinetics and the biomechanics and evaluation of gait. Principles of chiropractic analysis, including nerve facilitation and inhibition and associated musculoskeletal and visceral effects. Introduction to spinal adjusting procedures.

Recognition and identification of normal anatomical structures and features of the spine, the extremities, the pelvis and the rib cage, as imaged on plain radiographs; detailed study of normal radiographic anatomy, normal anatomic variants and roentgenometry.

Recognition and identification of normal anatomical structures and features of the skull, and the soft tissues of the thorax and abdomen, as imaged on plain radiographs; detailed study of normal radiographic anatomy, normal anatomic variants and roentgenometry.

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