Block Description

The Nervous System II (NSII) block is designed to provide instruction in the basic science and clinical foundation required for examination and treatment of disorders of the central nervous system. This block will provide a comprehensive overview of the nervous system, including topics such as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, neurochemistry, neuroimmunology and infection, neuropathology, neurobiology and neurology. Emphasis will be on neuroanatomy, the mechanisms of disease, differential diagnoses, interpretation of tests and procedures, evaluation of results involving brain pathology, along with application of specific treatment interventions in the management of patients with central nervous system disease. Neuroimaging will also be introduced in this block, and the student will be expected to correlate CT and MRI images with gross and microscopic specimens. Clinical topics focused on in this block include movement disorders, head trauma, stroke, altered mental states (memory loss, dementia, delirium, coma), seizures, headaches and sleep problems. This block will also incorporate the topics and themes of ethics, diagnostics, public health, biomedical informatics and behavioral sciences.

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).

Block objectives:

  • Describe and label the major structures of the brain and explain the functions of a healthy human central nervous system.
  • Correlate neuroanatomical structures across imaging (CT, MRI), gross specimens, and histological sections.
  • Explain pathophysiological mechanisms underlying common neurological disorders and describe fundamental neurological examination methods.
  • Integrate neuroanatomy, pathology, histology, pharmacology, and physiology to explain interrelationships between brain structures and their role in sensory, motor, cognitive, affective, and behavioral disorders.
  • Describe cellular and molecular processes of neuroadaptation, neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity related to growth, learning, memory; and recovery after injury.
  • Identify and interpret laboratory, imaging and diagnostic studies, used in confirming neurological disease including associated histological and pathological findings.
  • Analyze ethical and social issues related to the human behavior and the brain. 
  • Apply quantitative reasoning and core concepts in medical informatics to analyze and solve problems in neuroscience.
  • Develop differential diagnoses of neurological disorders through case-based learning by evaluating history, examination findings, and appropriate diagnostic studies, and recognizing conditions requiring referral.
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively with team members to document, present, and discuss clinical information accurately and clearly.
  • Demonstrate professionalism in interactions with faculty, staff and peers.
  • Apply medical knowledge to support effective, patient-centered care.