• University of Leeds

Exploring Anatomy: the Human Abdomen

Explore the anatomy of the human abdomen and understand its clinical importance.

36,446 enrolled on this course

Exploring anatomy: the human abdomen

Exploring Anatomy: the Human Abdomen

36,446 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Accreditation available

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

You will be introduced to the human abdomen and its many complex structures through stimulating discussions on common surgical scenarios and current research. Each week, we will focus on a specific area of the abdomen; starting at the anterior abdominal wall and be able to detail the anatomy of numerous organs including the stomach and liver. Specialists will come together to compare and discuss contrasting surgical techniques. This will help you to apply your understanding of basic anatomy to common clinical scenarios and introduce you to research being undertaken at the University of Leeds.

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Syllabus

  • Week 1

    The anterior abdominal wall and peritoneum

    • Welcome

      Welcome to 'Exploring Anatomy: the Human Abdomen'. The journey you take through the course is completely up to you: visit all the activities, or just dip into those of particular interest. We hope you enjoy the course!

    • Know your abdomen

      If you're new to human biology, spend a few minutes discovering how much you already know about the anatomy of the abdomen.

    • The anterior abdominal wall

      This first activity introduces the anterior abdominal wall. The core videos are detailed and comprehensive, supplemented by optional advanced videos for those with the time and interest to explore further.

    • The peritoneum

      The second activity introduces the peritoneum, a membranous sac that lines the wall of the abdomen. Again, there is an introductory video followed by more in-depth and advanced videos for those wanting more information.

    • Expert discussion: Surgical techniques

      In this activity James invites Dermot Burke to consider the different surgical approaches with regard to the condition commonly known as a hernia.

    • End of week review

      We have now reached the end of the first week of this course. We have provided a short multiple choice test for those who would like to test their understanding before moving on.

  • Week 2

    Organs of the gastrointestinal tract

    • About week two

      In this week we move on to consider the gastrointestinal tract followed by a more detailed look at the accessory organs of the digestive system.

    • The oesophagus, stomach and intestines

      The core lectures provide a detailed overview of the gastrointestinal tract with the optional advanced videos concentrating on specific regions.

    • The liver, gall bladder, pancreas and spleen

      The second activity for this week looks at the liver, gall bladder, pancreas and spleen. The optional advanced videos look at these organs in more detail.

    • Expert discussion: removing and diagnosing colorectal tumours

      In this activity James is joined by a surgeon and a pathologist to discuss why and how a section of bowel is removed.

    • Summary

      We have now reached the end of the second week of this course. We have provided a short multiple choice test for those who would like to test their understanding before moving on.

  • Week 3

    The posterior abdominal wall

    • About week three

      In the final week we will look at two areas of anatomy, the kidneys and the posterior abdominal wall followed by an exploration of the nerves that innervate the abdomen.

    • Muscles of posterior abdominal wall, the kidneys and suprarenal glands.

      In this first activity James explores the posterior abdominal wall concentrating on the kidneys and suprarenal glands.

    • Nerves of the abdomen

      In the second activity James outlines the principle function of the somatic and autonomic divisions of the nervous system.

    • Expert discussion

      James is joined by Dr Karen Flood in this expert discussion to detail how radiological techniques can be used to treat hepatocellular carcinomas, a common liver cancer.

    • End of course review

      We have now reached the end of this course. Again you have the opportunity to test your understanding as well as find out more about further opportunities for study.

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

This course has been accredited by the CPD Certification Service, which means it can be used to provide evidence of your continuing professional development.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

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

  • Develop your understanding of the organs and digestive tracts of the abdomen.
  • Explore the muscles and nerves of the abdomen, and how these contribute to key body processes.
  • Investigate the complex functions of the peritoneum, the kidneys and suprarenal glands, and the autonomic nervous system.
  • Reflect on expert discussion of surgical treatments for abdominal issues, including hernias, sections of bowel and liver tumours.

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone that is interested in the human body and specifically the inner workings of the abdomen. We will assume a very basic level of anatomical knowledge. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time.

Who will you learn with?

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.

Anatomy Teaching Fellow at The University of Leeds

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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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$99/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 26 Jul 2023

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

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