This course describes the detailed anatomy and functional features of macro- and micro-anatomical structures in the brain and spinal cord. In this course, students first learn the basic structural and organizational features of the spinal cord, brainstem, and brain. Students then consider the interactions of spinal cord and brain structures that comprise major sensory and motor functional pathway systems. In lecture and in lab, course material includes discussion of neurological deficits associated with disturbances of brain and spinal cord structures. In the lab, students study whole and dissected human brain specimens.
- Instructor: Christine Major
In this course, students study the normal regional anatomy of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and perineum, including discussions of the heart, lungs, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Particular attention is paid to the terminology, position, and relationship of these organs to each other in the body cavity, as well as their blood supply and innervation by the autonomic nervous system. The anatomical and clinical relationships of the bones, joints, muscles, blood vessels, and peripheral nerves of the body wall are also discussed. Each organ system includes special emphasis on the anatomy of referred pain, an important consideration in the field of chiropractic. The laboratory portion of this course continues the unique opportunity to dissect, visualize, and explore each of the four regions under study.
- Instructor: Bill Borman
- Instructor: Jose Reyna
This course addresses cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal physiology. Approximately 60% of the course consists of cardiovascular concepts including blood, hemodynamics, cardiac cycle, electrocardiography, blood pressure, central nervous control, peripheral vasculature, systemic circulation, capillary dynamics, and the lymphatic system. Approximately 20% of the course consists of respiratory concepts including ventilation, gas exchange, gas transport, and the control of respiration. The remaining 20% of the course covers renal concepts including glomerular filtration, tubular exchange mechanics, urine formation, body fluid balance, and micturition. Relevant pathological concepts are presented whenever possible. The weekly laboratory sessions consist of observations and experiments on humans; some activities include the use of digital physiological recording equipment to explore the cardiac cycle and the electrocardiogram. Additionally, the lab portion of the course serves as an introduction to the clinical skills of heart auscultation and arterial blood pressure measurement.
- Instructor: Jose Reyna
- Instructor: Carina Staab
- Instructor: Steven Taliaferro
This lecture course explores the complex phenomena of human development. Emphasis is on the embryonic period (weeks 1-8) of development. The processes of gametogenesis, fertilization, implantation, embryogenesis, placentation, segmentation, and organogenesis are all discussed. The course provides an understanding of the development of adult body structures in relation to each other. Some general topics of interest include mechanisms for twin formation, heart and limb formation, gender determination, and influences affecting cellular differentiation. Detailed terminology regarding developmental processes and the timing of developmental stages are introduced. Discussions include congenital abnormalities and the factors that disrupt normal development.
- Instructor: Jayme Gallegos
This course is designed to provide the student with an anatomical, biomechanical, and pathophysiologic basis for chiropractic adjustive therapy. It is structured to reinforce methods covered in adjustive technique lab sessions. Topics will include definition and classification of manual therapies, adjustive technique terminology, general and specific thoracic adjusting mechanics, adjusting contraindications/complications, adjustive therapy decision analysis, and adjustive treatment guidelines.
- Instructor: Betsy Mitchell
This course focuses on the theories of spinal motion segment dysfunction/subluxation. Topics include philosophy and its relationship to chiropractic theory and practice, the concept of the manipulable lesion, definitions, prevalence, diagnosis, theoretic etiology, pathophysiology and health effects of spinal subluxation/dysfunction syndromes, and theoretic effects and mechanisms of adjustive therapy.
- Instructor: Lester Partna
This course is devoted to developing foundation adjustive skills and the development of the knowledge, physical exam, and psychomotor skills necessary to provide effective chiropractic adjustments of the spine, with a focus on the thoracic spine. Adjustive techniques include prone, supine, sitting and standing procedures.
- Instructor: Laura Baffes
- Instructor: Beth Dominicis
- Instructor: Betsy Mitchell
- Teaching Assistant: Elia Busey
Identification of soft tissue structures of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis seen on plain film radiography is the emphasis of this course. Basic anatomy of these regions seen on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is also studied. Weekly lab activities provide practice opportunities for the week's material.
- Instructor: Melinda Novak