Human Anatomy
Head and Neck Learning Objectives
General Head and Neck, Skull
1) Describe the boundaries and contents of the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck
2) Identify the parts of the upper respiratory tract
3) Describe the gross structure and functions of the nose
4) Identify the boundaries of the nasal cavity
5) Describe the structure, function and location of the nasal conchae and respiratory mucosa and
the paranasal sinuses
6) Describe the structure, function and location pharynx and its parts
7) Describe the structure, function and location of the 4 groups of tonsils
8) Describe the structure, function and location of the thyroid gland, the hyoid bone, the larynx
and the vocal cords
9) Describe the structure, function and boundaries of the oral cavity
10) Compare and contrast the location, structure and function of the 3 pairs of external salivary
glands to the internal salivary glands
11) Describe the deciduous and permanent dental formulas
12) Describe the structure of teeth as it relates to their function
13) Explain how teeth are secured into the maxilla and mandible
14) Identify the muscles used in chewing
15) Identify the arteries and nerves that supply the dentition
Skull
1) Understand the overall organization of the skull into braincase, face, base and throat
2) Be able to relate the three special senses—smell, vision, hearing—to the bones at the base of
the skull.
3) Identify all of the bones of the cranium and face
4) Identify all bones that contribute to the orbit and nasal cavity
5) Describe the functions of the skull
6) Describe the structure and function of fontanels
7) Know the foramina at the base of the skull and the objects that pass through them.
Special Senses
1) Understand the structures associated with the sense of smell and how they work
2) Know the kinds of taste, their location, the nerves that take taste sensation to the brain.
3) Identify the structure, location and function of the eye’s accessory structures
4) Describe the flow of lacrimal fluid
5) Identify the 6 extrinsic muscles of the eye, their movements and innervation
6) Describe the general function of the eye
7) Describe the 3 layers (tunics) of the eye, their parts and functions
8) Describe the flow of aqueous humor in the eye and its function
9) Describe the structure and function of the outer ear
10) Describe the structure and function of the middle ear and its parts
11) Describe the structure and function of the inner ear and its parts
Cranial Nerves and Brain
1) Describe the structure and function of the meninges
2) Describe the production, flow and function of CSF
3) Identify the major arteries and veins serving the brain and head
4) Identify the 12 cranial nerves by name and roman numeral and group them according to the
type of nerves that they are
5) Summarize what structures are innervated by each nerve, identifying motor, sensory and
parasympathetic innervation