Block Description

The Musculoskeletal and Nervous System I (MSNS I) Block deals with the structures of the upper and lower extremities, spine, cerebellum, brain stem and related structures using a multidisciplinary approach. It covers the fundamental tissues of the musculoskeletal system — bone, joint and ligament — along with the skin. It also covers the peripheral nervous system and part of the central nervous system that includes the motor and sensory neuron, spinal nerve root, brachial and lumbosacral plexus, peripheral nerve, neuromuscular junction and muscle. Bacterial, fungal, viral parasitic skin disorders and select skin malignancies are also covered. Spinal cord pathways and disorders and cerebellum and brain stem and related structures are included to facilitate smooth transition into the Nervous System II block that deals with the central nervous system above the level of the brain stem. Sensory organs such as the ear, nose, throat and eye are covered, as well.

The goal is to understand normal and abnormal mechanisms of development of tissues and pathophysiological mechanisms of various disease processes — including trauma in the pediatric and adult patient population. Rehabilitative aspects of various disease processes will be discussed. Central and peripheral pain mechanisms and pain management will be addressed. In conjunction with didactic lectures, case-based instruction, physician and patient panels, RAMs and active learning teaching sessions are used to help students apply information to clinical scenarios. 

Learning Objectives

Educational Program Objectives are a subset of more broadly defined physician competencies, which represent general domains of performance for which the profession and the public hold physicians accountable.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix (COM-P) measures these outcomes both quantitatively (via USMLE style assessments) and qualitatively (via behavioral competency assessments).

Upon completing the Musculoskeletal and Nervous System I (MSNSI) Block, students should be able to:

  • Explain the normal structure and function of the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems, including key molecular, genetic, and physiologic processes underlying musculoskeletal development, peripheral nerve function, and pain signaling, and describe the normal anatomy and spatial relationships of the spine, extremities, spinal cord, sensory pathways, brainstem, eye, ENT, and vestibular systems, and the neurological changes associated with aging.
  • Explain the molecular, genetic, and pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying common and malignant disorders of the skin, musculoskeletal, and peripheral nervous systems, including infectious, inflammatory, immune-mediated, traumatic, neoplastic, metabolic, vascular, and degenerative conditions, and describe the pathophysiology and clinical syndromes of pain and common gait disorders.
  • Apply foundational biomedical and clinical knowledge to interpret radiological and diagnostic findings, develop and prioritize differential diagnoses, and support evidence-based prevention, management, and rehabilitation of skin, musculoskeletal, peripheral nervous system, and pain disorders in simulated or case-based settings.
  • Evaluate how health systems, community context, structural barriers, and social determinants of health influence prevention, access, and outcomes related to musculoskeletal, peripheral nervous system, and pain disorders, and propose strategies to promote equitable, patient-centered care and improve communication with marginalized populations.
  • Demonstrate effective, respectful, and collaborative communication, teamwork, accountability, and professional integrity in clinical, academic, and simulated learning environments focused on musculoskeletal, peripheral nervous system, and pain disorders.
  • Appraise personal learning needs related to musculoskeletal, peripheral nervous system, and pain medicine, locate and critically evaluate pharmacologic, rehabilitative, and scientific resources, and apply evidence-based strategies to foster continuous improvement, resilience, and professional growth within the discipline.