ECTS credits ECTS credits: 6
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Hours of tutorials: 1 Expository Class: 36 Interactive Classroom: 22 Total: 59
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Morphological Science
Areas: Human Anatomy and Embryology
Center Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
Call: First Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable | 1st year (Yes)
1. Know the normal morphology, structure and function of the human locomotor system in the different stages of life and in both sexes.
2. Recognise by macroscopic methods the morphology and structure of the different components of the locomotor apparatus.
3. Acquire the morphological and functional knowledge that will enable them to carry out a basic physical examination of the locomotor apparatus.
4. Know, understand and be able to apply anatomical terminology (anatomical nomenclature) appropriately.
I. Lectures (36h)
THEMATIC BLOCK I: DESCRIPTIVE AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE LOCOMOTOR APPARATUS OF THE UPPER LIMB
Osteology of the Upper Limb (I). General study and concept of the upper limb. Scapular Belt: Clavicle and Scapula or Scapula. Arm: Humerus.
Theme 2. Osteology of the Upper Limb (II). Forearm: Radius and Ulna. Hand: carpal, metacarpal and phalangeal regions. Sesamoid bones.
Arthrology of the Upper Limb (I). Concept of the Functional Shoulder: Joint Classification and Joint Mechanics. Sternoclavicular Joint. Acromioclavicular joint. Scapulothoracic Sisarcosis. Scapulo-humeral Joint.
Arthrology of the Upper Limb (II). Elbow Joint: Morphological Concept and Functional Concept. Forearm Joints: Proximal and Distal Radial-Cubital Joints.
Arthrology of the Upper Limb (III).Wrist Joint: Radiocarpal and Mediocarpal. Articular Hand: Carpometacarpal, Intermetacarpal, Metacarpophalangeal and Interphalangeal joints.
Topic 6. Myology of the Upper Limb (I). Muscles and Aponeurosis of the Shoulder. Velpeau's spaces. Axillary hollow. Muscles and Aponeurosis of the Arm.
Topic 7. Myology of the Upper Limb (II). Muscles and Aponeurosis of the Forearm.
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Topic 8. Myology of the Upper Limb (III). Osteo-fibrous corridors. Sheaths and synovium. Channels of the elbow crease, pulse channel, carpal tunnel. Muscles and Aponeurosis of the Hand.
Vascularisation of the Musculoskeletal System of the upper limb.
Innervation of the Musculoskeletal System of the upper limb: Brachial Plexus. Concept of the Neuro-Muscular Axes of the Upper Limb.
THEMATIC BLOCK II: DESCRIPTIVE AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE LOWER LIMB LOCOMOTOR APPARATUS
Osteology of the Lower Limb (I). General study and concept of the lower limb. Pelvic girdle: Coxal. Inguinal and ileopectineal ligament (arch). Thigh: Femur.
Theme 2. Osteology of the Lower Limb (II). Leg: patella, tibia and fibula. Foot: Tarsal, metatarsal and phalangeal regions, Sesamoid bones. Plantar vault.
Topic 3. Lower Limb Arthrology (I). Concept of the Functional Pelvis. Joint Classification and Mechanics of the Joint. Sacroiliac joints, Pubic symphysis. Coxofemoral.
Arthrology of the Lower Limb (II). Knee joint. Proximal and distal tibio-peroneal joints
Arthrology of the lower limb (III). Ankle joint: tibioperoneal-ankle, subtaltalar (talocalcaneal or astragalocalcaneal) and astragalocalcaneal-scaphoid.
Arthrology of the Lower Limb (III). Joints of the Foot: Transverse Tarsal (Chopart joint line), Calcaneocuboid, Intertarsal, Tarsometatarsal (Lisfrank joint line), Intermetatarsal, Metatarsophalangeal and Interphalangeal.
Topic 7. Myology of the Lower Limb (I). Muscles and Aponeurosis of the Hip and Pelvis. Muscular and vascular lagoon. Femoral ring. Inguinal canal. Perineum.
Topic 8. Myology of the Lower Limb (II). Muscles and aponeurosis of the thigh. Study of the sheath of the femoral vessels. Femoral triangle (Scarpa's).
Topic 9. Myology of the lower limb (III). Muscles and aponeurosis of the leg. Popliteal hollow (rhomboid). Fibrous and synovial slides. Muscles and Aponeurosis of the Foot.
Vascularisation of the lower limb musculoskeletal system.
Innervation of the Lower Limb Musculoskeletal System: Lumbo-Sacral Plexus. Concept of Neuro-Muscular Axes of the Lower Limb.
THEMATIC BLOCK III: DESCRIPTIVE AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE LOCOMOTOR APPARATUS OF THE NECK AND TRUNK
Osteology of the neck and trunk (I). General concept of the neck and trunk. Skeleton of the neck: Hyoid. Spine: regions and curvatures. Characteristics of the type vertebra and characteristics of the vertebrae of each region.
Theme 2. Osteology of the Neck and Trunk (II). Thoracic Skeleton: Sternum, Ribs and Rib Cartilages.
Topic 3. Joints of the spinal column (I). Intervertebral: Intersomatic, zygapophyseal, vertebral syndesmosis, uncovertebral, atlantoaxial, lumbosacral (sacrovertebral), sacrococcygeal, intercoccygeal.
Topic 4. Joints of the spinal column (II). Craniovertebral, Sacroiliac, Costovertebral.
Topic 5. Thoracic Joints: Costovertebral, Chondrocostal, Interchondral, Sternocostal, Sternocostal, Sternal
Muscles and aponeurosis of the neck. Topographical division. Cervical Fascia.
Theme 7. Trunk Muscles (I). Posterior region (dorsum) of the trunk and wall of the thorax. Endothoracic fascia. Diaphragm.
Theme 8. Trunk Muscles (II). Muscular Regions of the Abdomen. Abdominal aponeurosis. Herniary tracts. Transverse fascia.
Vascularisation of the Trunk Musculoskeletal System.
Innervation of the Trunk Musculoskeletal System.
THEMATIC BLOCK IV: DESCRIPTIVE AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE LOCOMOTOR APPARATUS OF THE HEAD
Theme 1. Osteology of the head (I). General study of the head. Development of the bones of the Skull: Neurocranium and Splacnocranium. Frontal Norm (anterior view) of the bones of the head: Frontal, Nasal (Nose Bones), Upper Maxillae, Zygomatic (Malar) and Mandible (Lower Maxilla).
Theme 2. Osteology of the Head (II). Normal (lateral) view of the bones of the head: Frontal, Parietal, Occipital, Temporal, Sphenoid, Zygomatic, Nasal, Maxilla, Mandible, Lagrimal (Unguis) and Ethmoid. Superior norm (vision): Frontal, Parietal and Occipital. Posterior (vision) norm: Occipital, Parietals and Temporals.
Theme 3. Osteology of the Head (III). Base of the skull. Exocranial side: Maxilla, Palatine, Vomer, Zygomatic, Sphenoid, Temporal and Occipital. Endocranial face: Frontal, Ethmoid, Sphenoid, Temporal and Occipital. Anterior, middle and posterior cranial fossae.
Craniofacial cavities: their concept. Orbital cavities. Nasal cavities. Temporal and subtemporal fossae. Pterygomaxillary cleft and Pterygopalatine fossa. Zygomatic Fossa. Palatine Vault.
Theme 5. Arthrology of the Head. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Topic 6.- Myology of the Head. Muscles of Mastication and Mimicry.
Vascularisation of the Head Musculoskeletal System (I). Common Carotid Arterial System. Collateral and terminal branches of the External Carotid Artery
Vascularisation of the Head Musculoskeletal System (II). Internal and External Jugular Venous System. Lymphatic Vascular System of the Head. Ganglionic groups of the head.
Innervation of the Musculoskeletal System of the Head. Cranial nerves. Classification and Functional Concept. Trigeminal Nerve and Facial Nerve.
II. Interactive classes: practical sessions (20h)
THEMATIC BLOCK I: DESCRIPTIVE AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE LOCOMOTOR APPARATUS OF THE UPPER LIMB
P1-2. Locomotor system of the shoulder and arm.
P3-4. Locomotor system of the forearm and hand.
THEMATIC BLOCK II: DESCRIPTIVE AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE LOWER LIMB LOCOMOTOR APPARATUS
P1-2. Pelvis and thigh locomotor system.
P3-4. Locomotor system of the leg and foot.
THEMATIC BLOCK III: DESCRIPTIVE AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE LOCOMOTOR APPARATUS OF THE NECK AND TRUNK
P1-2. Locomotor system of the neck. Spine.
P3-4. Locomotor system of the thorax and abdomen.
THEMATIC BLOCK IV: DESCRIPTIVE AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE LOCOMOTOR APPARATUS OF THE HEAD
P1-2. Locomotor apparatus of the head (I). Frontal, lateral, superior and posterior standards of the bones of the head.
P3-4. Locomotor apparatus of the head (II). Base of the skull.
A link will be available in the virtual classroom of the subject for access to the electronic versions of those manuals and atlases that are accessible through the university library.
I. Basic bibliography
Manuals
1. Teachers of the subject. "Manual de Anatomía del Aparato Locomotor". Campus na Nube; 2025.
2. Teachers of the subject. "Practical Notebook on Anatomy of the Locomotor System. Campus na Nube; 2025.
3. García-Porrero JA, Hurlé AJM. "Human Anatomy. 2nd ed. Editorial Médica Panamericana; 2019.
4. Drake RL, Mitchell AW, Vogl W. "Gray's Anatomy for Students. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2024.
Atlas
1. Elsevier. "Complete Anatomy. Elsevier; Accessed 2025. Available from: [https://www.elsevier.com/es-es/connect/innovacion-tecnologica-salud/com…](https://www.elsevier.com/es-es/connect/innovacion-tecnologica-salud/com…)
2. Netter FH. "Atlas of Human Anatomy. Systems Approach". 8th ed. Elsevier; 2023.
II. Supplementary bibliography
Manuals
1. Feneis H, Dauber W. "Illustrated Anatomical Nomenclature. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2021.
2. Llusá Pérez M, Merí Vived À, Ruano Gil D. "Manual y atlas fotográfico de anatomía del aparato locomotor". 1st ed, 1st reprint. Editorial Médica Panamericana; 2021.
3. Kapandji IA. "Cuadernos de fisiología articular. 6th ed. Editorial Médica Panamericana; 2012.
4. Rouvière H, Delmas A. "Human anatomy: descriptive, topographical and functional". 11th ed. Masson; 2005.
5. Latarjet M, Ruiz Liard A. Human Anatomy. 5th ed. Editorial Médica Panamericana; 2019.
6. Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. "Anatomy with clinical orientation. 9th ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2022.
Atlas
1. Schünke M, Schulte E, Schumacher U. "Prometheus. Text and Atlas of Anatomy". 5th ed. Editorial Médica Panamericana; 2022.
2. Paulsen F, Waschke J. "Sobotta. Atlas of Human Anatomy". 25th ed. Elsevier; 2024.
III. Electronic resources and websites
1. Anatomy: Juan's pen and Fernando's pencil. \[Accessed on: 2025]. Available at: [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCitDdJrZjW4WhB8p9hgIz1A?app=desktop](h…)
Knowledge:
Knowledge module I:
C14. Know the morphology, structure and function of the skin, blood, circulatory, digestive, locomotor, reproductive, excretory and respiratory apparatus and systems; endocrine system, immune system and central and peripheral nervous system. C15. Growth, maturation and ageing of the different apparatus and systems.
C17. Adaptation to the environment.
C20. Recognise with macroscopic and microscopic methods and imaging techniques the morphology and structure of tissues, organs and systems.
C22. Basic physical examination.
Abilities or skills:
H/D05. Recognise one's own limitations and the need to maintain and update one's professional competence, with particular emphasis on autonomous learning of new knowledge and skills and motivation for quality.
H/D06. Develop professional practice with respect for other health professionals, acquiring teamwork skills.
H/D07. Understand and recognise the normal structure and function of the human body, at molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and systems levels, at different stages of life and in both sexes.
H/D09. Understand and recognise the effects, mechanisms and manifestations of disease on the structure and function of the human body.
H/D11. Understand and recognise the effects of growth, development and ageing on the individual and their social environment.
H/D31. Know, critically assess and know how to use sources of clinical and biomedical information to obtain, organise, interpret and communicate scientific and health information.
H/D37. Acquire basic training for research activity.
Competences
Instrumental competences:
Comp01. Capacity for analysis and synthesis.
Comp02. Ability to organise and plan.
Comp03. Oral and written communication in one's own language.
Comp04. Knowledge of a second language.
Comp06. Information management skills (ability to search for and analyse information from different sources).
Interpersonal skills:
Comp09. Critical and self-critical skills.
Comp10. Teamwork.
Comp11. Interpersonal skills.
Comp16. Ethical commitment.
Systemic competences:
Comp17. Ability to apply knowledge in practice.
Comp24. Ability to work autonomously.
I. Expository teaching
The expository methodology used in the course will be developed through lectures.
Masterclasses
The lecturers will present the theoretical contents of the programme with the support of audiovisual resources, computer tools and the preparation of diagrams or drawings on the blackboard. During these sessions, the most relevant aspects of each subject will be highlighted and guidance will be provided on the recommended bibliography. As a complement to the theoretical presentation, questionnaires and practical exercises related to the contents covered will be proposed. The aim of these activities is to reinforce learning, facilitate the assimilation of concepts and encourage the active participation of students.
II. Interactive teaching
Interactive teaching will be developed through practical sessions, using active methodologies such as problem solving and collaborative learning
It is recommended that students review the available material (videos, guides, etc.) related to the practical content prior to the practical sessions in order to make the most of the sessions.
Laboratory practicals
During the laboratory practicals, students will study and identify the anatomical structures covered in the lectures, using various resources such as real bones from the department's osteotechnical library, models, cadaveric preparations and dissection activities.
To facilitate learning, interactive three-dimensional anatomical simulation applications will also be used. These activities will also develop competencies and skills in the appropriate use of anatomical language.
III. Virtual classroom and public tutoring forum
The subject will have a virtual classroom in which students will have access to complementary didactic material, including videos, which will provide an in-depth study of the most relevant and/or complex aspects of the contents of the subject.
In the virtual classroom, a public tutoring forum will be set up in order to encourage fluid communication between students and teaching staff.
The assessment of the knowledge, skills and competences acquired in the subject will be carried out by means of a final practical test, a final theoretical test and continuous assessment and will take into account the attendance to expository and interactive classes (in accordance with the "Regulamento de Asistencia a Clase nas Ensinanzas Oficiais de Grao e Máster da Universidade de Santiago de Compostela del 25 de noviembre de 2024").
In order to pass the course, it is compulsory to pass both the theoretical final exam and the practical final exam separately and to attend/participate in the practical sessions. Only if these requirements are met will the grade obtained in the continuous assessment be taken into account for the final calculation of the mark.
The grades obtained will not be retained for subsequent academic years.
In cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations on the assessment and academic performance of students and the rejection of grades shall apply.
I. Final practical test
- This test will be taken in person.
- This test assesses the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired in the practical classes.
- It will account for 20% of the total grade for the subject.
- It will consist of the recognition of anatomical structures and short questions about the identified structure.
- In order to pass the test, it is necessary to obtain a minimum score of 70% in each of the separate practical blocks (upper limb, lower limb, trunk and head).
II. Final theoretical test
- This test will be taken in person.
- This test assesses the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired in the .
- It will account for 70% of the total grade for the subject.
- It will consist of an examination of objective questions (multiple-choice test with a single answer, in which errors will be penalised. For every three incorrect answers, 1 point is deducted from the total. Blank answers neither add nor subtract points).
- In order to pass the test, it is necessary to obtain a minimum score of 50% in each of the thematic units separately (upper limb, lower limb, trunk and head).
III. Continuous assessment
- It will account for 10% of the total grade for the subject.
- In addition to attending lectures, the resolution of exercises and/or questionnaires, and the submission of assignments and practice reports during lectures and interactive classes may be taken into account. These activities may be carried out either in person or through the resources of the institutional platforms (Virtual Classroom-Moodle and Microsoft Teams).
IV. Class attendance
Attendance and participation in lectures and practical sessions is compulsory, except in the case of students who are repeating the subject, for whom, although not compulsory, it is recommended.
In order to record the participation and attendance of students in the expository and interactive sessions of the subject, the teaching staff will carry out attendance controls using the Forms tool, as well as the lists of students provided by the institution. It should be noted that, in the event of absence due to force majeure, this must be justified in due time and form to the corresponding teacher.
Exemption from teaching/official allowance will be applied in the cases determined by the Centre. The exemption from teaching will involve the continued performance of work/activities, which will be indicated to the relevant students by the teaching staff at the beginning of the academic year.
Intentional manipulation or falsification of the attendance control systems will be considered as non-attendance at the activity and must be reported to the Rector's Office for the initiation of any disciplinary action that may be appropriate.
Assessment of class attendance:
- Lectures: the percentage of attendance will be assessed as part of the continuous assessment, except in the case of repeating students and students with official dispensation.
- Practical sessions: attendance and participation in at least 80% of the practical sessions is a compulsory requirement for passing the course, except in the case of repeating students.
- Time for individual study of the contents of the programme: 70 hours
- Preparation time for the internship: 20 hours
- Time for work preparation and questionnaires: 3 hours
For the proper development of the practical classes, it is essential that students prepare the practice beforehand by means of bibliographic material (atlases, manuals, and videos presented in the virtual classroom). The use of a white coat is compulsory for the practical sessions and it is recommended that an anatomical atlas is available.
The tutorials will be face-to-face and/or telematic and the bibliographic resources may be used in paper and/or digital version (electronic resources of the university library).
The lectures and practical sessions of the subject will be face-to-face and compulsory, with attendance controls being carried out and this attendance being assessed in the evaluation system, in accordance with the "Regulamento de Asistencia a Clase nas Ensinanzas Oficiais de Grao e Máster da Universidade de Santiago de Compostela del 25 de noviembre de 2024". In order to pass the subject, at least 80% of attendance is required, except in the case of students who repeat the subject.
Juan Antonio Suarez Quintanilla
- Department
- Morphological Science
- Area
- Human Anatomy and Embryology
- Phone
- 881812224
- juanantonisuarez.suarez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Professor
Maria Elena Lopez Martin
- Department
- Morphological Science
- Area
- Human Anatomy and Embryology
- Phone
- 881812310
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
Antonio Dominguez Meijide
- Department
- Morphological Science
- Area
- Human Anatomy and Embryology
- Category
- Professor: LOU (Organic Law for Universities) PhD Assistant Professor
Pablo Garrido Gil
Coordinador/a- Department
- Morphological Science
- Area
- Human Anatomy and Embryology
- pablo.garrido [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
Mateo Vazquez Torres
- Department
- Morphological Science
- Area
- Human Anatomy and Embryology
- mateovazquez.torres [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: Intern Assistant LOSU
Paula Aracil Pastor
- Department
- Morphological Science
- Area
- Human Anatomy and Embryology
- paula.aracil.pastor [at] usc.es
- Category
- Ministry Pre-doctoral Contract
| Monday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30-09:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 15:30-16:30 | Grupo /CLE_03 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| Tuesday | |||
| 08:30-09:30 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 09:30-11:30 | Grupo /CLIL_09 | Spanish | Medicine-S.T. Anatomical 1 |
| 09:30-11:30 | Grupo /CLIL_12 | Spanish | Medicine-S.T. Anatomical 1 |
| 09:30-11:30 | Grupo /CLIL_10 | Spanish | Medicine-S.T. Anatomical 1 |
| 09:30-11:30 | Grupo /CLIL_11 | Spanish | Medicine-S.T. Anatomical 1 |
| 15:30-16:30 | Grupo /CLE_04 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 15:30-17:30 | Grupo /CLIL_03 | Spanish | Medicine-S.T. Anatomical 1 |
| 15:30-17:30 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | Spanish | Medicine-S.T. Anatomical 1 |
| 15:30-17:30 | Grupo /CLIL_04 | Spanish | Medicine-S.T. Anatomical 1 |
| 15:30-17:30 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | Spanish | Medicine-S.T. Anatomical 1 |
| 17:30-19:30 | Grupo /CLIL_05 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 17:30-19:30 | Grupo /CLIL_06 | Spanish | Medicine-S.T. Anatomical 1 |
| 17:30-19:30 | Grupo /CLIL_07 | Spanish | Medicine-S.T. Anatomical 1 |
| 17:30-19:30 | Grupo /CLIL_08 | Spanish | Medicine-S.T. Anatomical 1 |
| Wednesday | |||
| 08:30-09:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 15:30-16:30 | Grupo /CLE_03 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| Thursday | |||
| 08:30-09:30 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 15:30-16:30 | Grupo /CLE_04 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| Friday | |||
| 08:30-09:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 15:30-16:30 | Grupo /CLE_03 | Spanish | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 01.09.2026 16:00-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicina-Aula 10 |
| 01.09.2026 16:00-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 2 |
| 01.09.2026 16:00-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 3 |
| 01.09.2026 16:00-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 01.09.2026 16:00-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 01.09.2026 16:00-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 6 |
| 01.09.2026 16:00-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 7 |
| 01.09.2026 16:00-18:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 8 |
| 07.01.2026 09:30-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 3 |
| 07.01.2026 09:30-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 4 |
| 07.01.2026 09:30-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 5 |
| 07.01.2026 09:30-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 7 |
| 07.01.2026 09:30-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Medicine-Classroom 8 |