GEM 203 — Integument and Musculoskeletal System I

GEM 203 studies the musculoskeletal framework of the body and the integument that covers it. Anatomy covers the bones, joints, muscle groups, nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the lower limb, gait, the peripheral pulses and sites of vascular access, and the back [P]. Embryology covers somites, limb development and ossification. Histology and Biochemistry cover the microscopic structure and molecular composition of bone, cartilage, connective tissue and muscle, collagen, bone metabolism and their disorders. Physiology covers the types of muscle, excitation–contraction coupling, the motor unit, fibre types, energetics, electromyography, muscle tone and locomotion, neuromuscular and autonomic transmission and the autonomic nervous system; Pharmacology covers drugs acting at these junctions and local anaesthetics. The integument is studied through its regional anatomy, dermatomes and dermatoglyphics, histology, development, biochemistry and pigmentation, functions and temperature regulation, and ageing, together with the structure, development and histology of the breast and the physiology of lactation. A proposed unit introduces the skin in disease: nutritional, hygiene-related, immune and genetic disorders, burns, and bacterial and viral infections. Weekly skills sessions cover examination of the limbs, skin, hair and nails, limb radiology and gait.