It is a fundamental objective of the course to provide the student in Medicine and Surgery with morpho-functional information on the structure of internal organs (Splancnology) and of the Human Nervous System, essential to the practice of basic medicine. Besides the study of the essential morphological characteristics of these systems, the functional correlates at cellular and sub-cellular level must therefore be clarified. The student will have to learn the contents of Splancnology and Neuroanatomy, necessary to face the patient's examination, and to understand symptomatological aspects and their evolution in pathological degeneration.
The student will also have to acquire the knowledge of how the structural organization of the various apparatuses is realized during the course of embryonic development.
The subject will be treated with a systematic and descriptive approach, allowing the student to acquire the anatomical language and to know the multiple elements constituting these parts of the human body in functionally homogeneous apparatuses. The morpho-functional integration between the different apparatuses, and the structural relationships that are realized between them in localized areas of the human body, relevant from the clinical point of view, will instead be treated according to a topographic perspective, also giving notions of radiological anatomy.
Knowledge and understanding

Provide a detailed description of the topography and structural organization of the brain and spinal cord, as well as the structure of neurons and glia cells and the main properties of the cytoarchitecture of the brain and spinal cord.
Provide a detailed description of the topography and structural organization of the digestive, respiratory and urogenital systems.
Understand the functional anatomy of sensory and motor processing and of higher brain functions such as language and emotions.
Understand the importance of the position of organs and their relationship with adjacent structures.
Present an overview of the main mechanism of organogenesis and the consequences of specific alterations.
Be able to integrate knowledge from the cellular and molecular level to the organ system organization level.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Apply the theoretic knowledge to the clinical setting, being able to recognize the general diagnostic aspects of the nervous system diseases. To obtain a basic understanding of the techniques used to investigate morphology and connections of neurons to provide the basis for further research into the nervous system. Approach to the main functional diagnostic tests used to assess the activities of the nervous system and learn how to differentiate the physiological and pathological results.
Making judgements
Recognize the importance of an in-depth knowledge of the topics consistent with a proper medical education. Identify the fundamental role of a proper theoretic knowledge of the subject in the clinical practice.
Communication skills
Present topics orally in an organized and consistent manner. Use of a proper scientific language and adequate to the subject of the discussion.
Learning skills
Identify the possible use of the acknowledged skills in the future career. Assess the importance of the acquired knowledge in the overall medical education process.