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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
MD Education Program

Human Structure (9 weeks)

In the Human Structure course, students’ gain knowledge of the functional and developmental relationship between anatomical structures, organs and organ systems. This enables them to explain the anatomic (microscopic and macroscopic) basis of common clinical conditions, injuries, diseases and functional deficits.

Course Objectives

The following course objectives align with the IU School of Medicine MD Curriculum Competencies and Institutional Learning Objectives. This alignment enables faculty and students to understand how current student learning prepares them for the next stage in training and for their ongoing practice and maintenance of certification.

Describe the embryology of organ systems and the developmental abnormalities that lead to common congenital defects.

Demonstrate knowledge of the structural and functional organization of the adult human body and its variations as visualized by direct dissection of human cadavers and by medical imaging techniques.

Identify the histology and electron microscopic morphology of tissues and organs through the use of light and electron microscopy and discuss the functional aspects of the identified tissues.

Describe the altered structure and function seen in common clinical presentations as a result of atypical development, injury, or disease.

Identify gaps in their understanding of the developmental, histologic, and gross anatomic structure of the human body; locate, analyze and appraise information to overcome their knowledge deficits; and integrate new information to broaden their foundation of medical knowledge.

Demonstrate professionalism through respect for the donor, the medical education process, and their peers.