Neuroanatomy

Neuroanatomy is the subdiscipline of neuroscience dedicated to studying the physical structure and organization of the nervous system. This field examines the nervous system at multiple scales, from the large, or gross, structures of the brain and spinal cord down to the microscopic composition of individual neurons, their synaptic connections, and the intricate neural circuits they form. By mapping the components of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their complex interconnections, neuroanatomy provides the essential structural blueprint required to understand neural function (neurophysiology) and the changes that occur in disease or injury (neuropathology).

1. Introduction to Neuroanatomy
   1. Defining Neuroanatomy
      1. Definition and Scope
      2. Subdisciplines of Neuroanatomy
         1. Gross Neuroanatomy
         2. Microanatomy
         3. Developmental Neuroanatomy
         4. Comparative Neuroanatomy
         5. Functional Neuroanatomy
      3. Relationship to Other Neurosciences
         1. Neurophysiology
         2. Neuropathology
         3. Neuropsychology
         4. Neuropharmacology
         5. Computational Neuroscience
   2. Historical Perspectives
      1. Early Anatomical Studies
         1. Ancient Civilizations
            1. Egyptian Brain Studies
            2. Greek Contributions
         2. Renaissance Anatomists
            1. Vesalius and Brain Dissection
            2. Leonardo da Vinci's Observations
      2. The Neuron Doctrine
         1. Discovery of Neurons
         2. Golgi and Cajal Contributions
            1. Golgi Staining Method
            2. Cajal's Neuronal Theory
         3. Sherrington's Synapse Concept
      3. Modern Era of Neuroscience
         1. Advances in Imaging Technology
         2. Molecular and Genetic Approaches
         3. Connectomics
   3. Fundamental Organizational Principles
      1. Central vs. Peripheral Nervous System
         1. Definition of CNS
         2. Definition of PNS
         3. Functional Distinctions
      2. Hierarchical and Parallel Processing
         1. Levels of Neural Organization
            1. Molecular Level
            2. Cellular Level
            3. Circuit Level
            4. Systems Level
         2. Parallel Pathways
            1. Sensory Processing Streams
            2. Motor Control Circuits
      3. Topographical Maps
         1. Somatotopy
            1. Body Representation Maps
            2. Homunculus Concept
         2. Retinotopy
            1. Visual Field Mapping
         3. Tonotopy
            1. Frequency Mapping
      4. Laterality and Specialization
         1. Hemispheric Specialization
            1. Language Dominance
            2. Spatial Processing
         2. Contralateral Organization
            1. Sensory Crossing
            2. Motor Crossing
   4. Anatomical Terminology and Planes of Section
      1. Directional Terms
         1. Rostral and Caudal
         2. Dorsal and Ventral
         3. Medial and Lateral
         4. Superior and Inferior
         5. Anterior and Posterior
      2. Planes of Section
         1. Sagittal Plane
            1. Midsagittal
            2. Parasagittal
         2. Coronal Plane
         3. Horizontal Plane
      3. Additional Anatomical Terms
         1. Ipsilateral and Contralateral
         2. Proximal and Distal
         3. Afferent and Efferent