Unit information: Muscle in 2011/12

Unit name	Muscle
Unit code	ANAT32123
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Trish Dolan
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None,
Co-requisites	None.
School/department	School of Anatomy
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit covers the structure and mechanical function of skeletal muscle, tendons, ligaments and fascia with respect to factors such as age, disuse, injury and training. The molecular basis of muscle contraction will be reviewed, as will basic physiological concepts such as length-tension and force-velocity relationships, motor unit recruitment strategies, and the physiological basis of fatigue. Principles of electromyography, muscle stimulation, MRI, CT and ultrasound will be described and their practical applications discussed. An appreciation of various neuromuscular disorders and the techniques employed to aid in diagnosis and management will be fostered.

Aims:

The aim of this unit is to review the structure and mechanical function of skeletal muscle and other musculoskeletal connective tissues. The specific seminar topics will vary slightly from year to year as new research supplants existing concepts.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Describe the gross and microscopic structure of skeletal muscle, tendons and ligaments and explain how they adapt with age, disuse, training and injury

• Explain the mechanism of muscle contraction at the molecular level, and describe force-velocity and length-tension relationships

• Explain basic principles of electromyography, and muscle stimulation

• Explain the different types of analysis that can be applied to EMG signals and appreciate their application in research and clinical practice

• Explain the physical, mechanical and electrical events leading to muscle fatigue and the methods employed to detect them

• Describe the causes of weakness, fatigue and pain in healthy muscle and how these symptoms become exacerbated in disease

• Distinguish between the common myopathies and explain their diagnosis in clinical practice using histological, biochemical and electrophysiological techniques

• Explain the underlying principles of ultrasound, CT, MRI and describe the advantages and limitations of these techniques in imaging musculoskeletal tissues

Teaching Information

Lectures and Seminars.

Assessment Information

Formative (peer marked) Library project (2500 words)

Summative: Scientific poster: 15%

Summative: 3-hour Sessional examination: 85%. Section A: 1.5 hour essay on integrative content of seminars; Section B: 1.5 hour essay on data interpretation and/or method analysis.

Reading and References

A list of papers and other readings will be provided in class.