Surgical Anatomy and Physiology

Catalog description

This course provides an in-depth, regionally oriented study of human anatomy and physiology with direct surgical application. Emphasis is placed on advanced surgical anatomy of the thoracic, abdominal, pelvic, cranial, and appendicular regions, with structures and functions correlated with operative intervention, patient positioning, and procedural exposure. Students analyze the relationship between normal anatomy and surgical pathophysiology to support critical intraoperative decision-making and improved patient outcomes. Course content covers the surgical anatomy of major body cavities and systems, including the thorax, abdomen, pelvis and perineum, head and neck, vertebral column, and upper and lower extremities. Related topics include common comorbidities and diseases that influence surgical risk, surgical emergencies, and the interpretation of diagnostic imaging. Pathophysiological concepts such as ischemia, inflammation, neoplasia, and shock are integrated throughout, supporting application to surgical diagnosis and patient management. Aligned with Core Curriculum for Surgical Assisting (pp. 4-12), this course advances students from a systemic understanding of human anatomy to a regional, procedure-based framework essential for surgical assisting. Students develop the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective competencies needed to identify, expose, and protect anatomical structures, anticipate variations in surgical anatomy, and apply evidence-based reasoning in the perioperative environment.