Anatomy: Know Your Abdomen Course - University of Leeds

Discover the human abdomen and how it works.

This course will help you identify the positions of organs within the abdomen and will introduce you to common anatomical terminology.

You will look at the anterior (front) abdominal wall, exploring how the ‘abs’ are considered in relation to health and beauty. You’ll then move on to look at the composition of the gastrointestinal tract. Focussing on common problems that can occur in this tract, you’ll hear from an abdominal surgeon about the work he does to treat and cure such problems.

What topics will you cover?

• The positions of organs within the abdomen.
• Common anatomical terminology relating to organs and their position relative to each other.
• The anterior abdominal wall: how ‘abs’ are considered in relation to health and beauty.
• The structure of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Common gastrointestinal problems and the work done to treat or cure them.

When would you like to start?

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts.

• Available now
• 27 September 2021

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to:

• Identify where the organs of the abdomen are located.
• Identify key anatomical terminology by referring to the glossary.
• Explore the basic features and muscles of the anterior abdominal wall.
• Discuss the diverse range of functions carried out by the anterior abdominal wall musculature.
• Research and discuss how the abdomen is referred to in the media.
• Discuss your learning regarding the basic position and function of the gastrointestinal tract, from the oesophagus to the rectum.
• Identify the position of the gastrointestinal tract and relate it to neighbouring organs.
• Explore common gastrointestinal problems and how they are treated.
• Research and discuss facts about the gastrointestinal tract.

Who is the course for?

This course is part of the Going to University collection which has been specifically designed for students at schools and colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds and help students to decide which subject to study at university.

Completion of the courses will also enhance students’ university applications.

The courses can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource.

Courses in this collection are also great for people that want an introduction to the specific subjects discussed in each course.

Who will you learn with?

James Pickering

I am an Associate Professor in Anatomy at the University of Leeds and the lead educator for Exploring anatomy: the human abdomen. Happy to help.

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

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