Anatomy of the Head and Spine

Course Overview

Anatomy of the Head and Spine is the part of a series of courses from Yale covering the anatomy of the entire body as well as the fundamentals of diagnostic imaging. It provides an in-depth exploration of the anatomical structures of the head and spine through a combination of theoretical instruction and virtual laboratory dissections. Led by Professors Charles Duncan and Bill Stewart, the course begins with foundational knowledge of the spine, spinal cord, and vertebral regions, including their structural features, curvatures, and blood supply. Subsequent modules focus on the skull, cranial nerves, brain, and associated structures, emphasizing detailed dissections of the cranial vault, facial nerve, and base of the brain. Students will analyze the brain’s lobes, vasculature, and cerebrospinal fluid pathways, as well as the relationships among cranial nerves, dural folds, and venous sinuses. The course concludes with an examination of the skull base, nasal and paranasal structures, oral and pharyngeal cavities, and the upper airway, providing a comprehensive understanding of head and spine anatomy essential for advanced medical studies and clinical application.