DT 142 - Anatomy, Physiology, Head & Neck, and Pathology

Credits: 3
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 11
Lab Hours: 55
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Overview of anatomy and physiology of head and neck with focus on intraoral tissues, bones, muscles, nerves, and vascularization. Incorporates embryology, histology, and pathology as it relates to the head and neck, consultation and referral of conditions that are not within the scope of dental therapy practice.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Dental Therapy (DT) coursework from previous quarter.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Discuss the development and histology of the head and neck from conception (embryology) to old age.
Describe the development, histology, morphology, function, and eruption patterns of primary and permanent teeth.
Explain the purpose and function of the skeletal system.
Identify bones of the head and neck and their landmarks.
Describe the skull with specific knowledge of the maxilla, mandible, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), relevant foramina and related tissues.
Explain the purpose and function of the muscular system.
Identify the muscles of the head and neck and their landmarks.
Identify arterial supply, lymphatic, and venous drainage of the head and neck.
Describe nerve supply to the oral cavity with a focus on the trigeminal nerve (V), facial nerve (VII), glossopharyngeal nerve (IX), and the hypoglossal nerve (XII).
Explain the physiology of taste, mastication, and deglutition.
Identify lymph nodes, fasciae, and spaces of the head and neck.
Discuss routes of infection and methods to prevent complications during patient care.
Identify normal anatomical landmarks, hard and soft tissue variations within the oral cavity, and detect changes from normal.
Discuss the signs and symptoms of common oral infections, and oral ulcerations.

Course Contents

Unit 1: Embryology and Histology Unit 2 : Surface and Skull Anatomy
Unit 3: Oral Pathology Unit 4: Muscular System
Unit 5: TMJ and Glands Unit 6: Vascular System
Unit 7: Nervous System Unit 8: Lymphatic System
Unit 9: Fasciae and Spaces Unit 10: Spread of Infection

Instructional Units: 4.75