Teaching Professor in Anatomical Science, Medical School
Musculoskeletal Anatomy
What You'll Learn
- Describe the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system, including anatomical relationships that allow movement, support, and homeostasis.
- Explain and identify key anatomical features and classifications of bones, joints, and skeletal muscles.
- Discuss the processes and structures underlying musculoskeletal growth, development, muscle contraction, and repair.
- Evaluate common disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system and explain their causes, effects, and clinical relevance.
3 Modules
15 Hours
5 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About Musculoskeletal Anatomy
Explore how the human body moves with Musculoskeletal Anatomy. This course offers a comprehensive study of the human musculoskeletal system. You will explore the functions and structure of bones and joints, including osseous tissue components, bone growth, and common disorders such as fractures, osteoporosis, and arthritis. You’ll learn about muscular tissue properties and muscle contraction mechanisms. The course covers the anatomical features of the axial and appendicular skeletons, major joints, their classifications, and the body's muscles, through both lectures and optional extended reality experiences.
This is the first course in the Anatomy course series, an introduction to the major functions of the human body, from the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, to the function of the heart, lungs, and hormonal pathways.
Skills You'll Gain
- Anatomy
- Biology
- Human Musculoskeletal System
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
In this course, you will explore the structure and function of the skeletal, joint, and muscular systems. You’ll examine bone composition and growth, joint classifications and movement, muscular tissue, muscle contraction, and key features of the axial and appendicular skeletons. You’ll also investigate major joints, skeletal muscles, and selected musculoskeletal disorders and injuries through course lectures and optional extended reality experiences.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Welcome and the Skeletal System
- Reading: Course Resources
- Reading: Course Introduction
- Reading: Course Resources & Syllabus
- Reading: Help Us Know More About You
- Reading: Foundational Anatomy Content
- Practice Assignment: Foundational Anatomy Content
- Video: Functions of the Skeletal System
- Video: Osseous Tissue
- Video: Cells of Osseous Tissue
- Video: Compact & Spongy Bone
- Video: Parts of a Long Bone
- Practice Assignment: Function & Structure of the Skeletal System
- Video: Bone Formation
- Video: Bone Remodeling & Factors that Affect Growth
- Video: Osteoporosis
- Video: Bone Fractures
- Practice Assignment: Dynamic Bone — Changes throughout Life
- Video: Types of Bone
- Video: Axial & Appendicular Skeleton & Features of Bone
- Video: Skull — Cranial Fossae
- Video: Neurocranium
- Video: Viscerocranium
- Video: Hyoid
- Video: Vertebrae Features
- Video: Types of Vertebrae
- Video: Sternum
- Practice Assignment: Identifying Bones
- Video: Ribs
- Video: Clavicle & Scapula
- Video: Humerus
- Video: Radius & Ulna
- Video: Bones of Wrist & Hand
- Video: Pelvic Girdle
- Video: Femur
- Video: Tibia & Fibula
- Video: Bones of Ankle & Foot
- Graded Assignment: Skeletal System Assessment
- Reading: Preview of Modules 2–4
Module 2: Joints
- Video: Joint Classification
- Video: Fibrous Joints
- Video: Cartilaginous Joints
- Practice Assignment: Classifications & Terminology of Joints
- Video: General Anatomy of a Synovial Joint
- Video: Accessory Structures of Synovial Joints
- Video: Types of Synovial Joints
- Video: Movements of Synovial Joints
- Video: Arthritis
- Video: Range of Motion
- Practice Assignment: Synovial Joint Fundamentals
- Video: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- Video: Shoulder
- Video: Elbow
- Video: Hip
- Video: Knee
- Video: Ankle
- Graded Assignment: Joints Assessment
Module 3: Skeletal Muscle
- Video: Properties & Functions of Muscular Tissue
- Video: Connective Tissue Associated with Muscle
- Video: Anatomical Components of Muscle Fiber
- Video: Motor Neurons, Motor Units, & Neuromuscular Junctions
- Practice Assignment: Muscular Tissue
- Video: Muscle Contraction Process
- Video: Types of Contraction & Functional Groups of Muscle
- Video: Muscles of Facial Expression & Extra-ocular Muscles
- Video: Muscles of Mastication, Tongue, & Assist in Deglutition and Speech
- Video: Muscles of the Neck & Back
- Video: Muscles of the Thorax & Abdomen
- Video: Muscles of the Pelvic Floor
- Video: Muscles of the Perineum
- Practice Assignment: Identifying Muscles
- Video: Muscles Associated with the Shoulder
- Video: Muscles of the Arm
- Video: Muscles of the Forearm
- Video: Muscles of the Hand
- Video: Muscles of the Gluteal Region
- Video: Muscles of the Thigh
- Video: Muscles of the Leg
- Video: Muscles of the Foot
- Graded Assignment: Skeletal Muscles Assessment
Course Wrap-Up
- Reading: Post-Course Survey
- Reading: Keep Learning with Michigan Online
Grading Policy
Course materials and assignments are available for self-paced learning. To pass the course and earn the certificate, you must achieve an overall grade of 80% or higher.
The course includes four graded quizzes totaling 70 questions. Together, these questions account for 100% of the course grade. Each quiz is weighted according to the number of questions it contains.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required
