An understanding of how the subject matter of anatomy and physiology is relevant to, and underpins, speech and language therapy theory and practice is central professional practice. This module aims to introduce students to key concepts, nomenclature, and content in anatomy and physiology including organisation of planes of the body and relating anatomical landmarks, histological organisation and function of skeletal muscles, connective and nervous tissues.Throughout the module, students will be encouraged to apply their emerging anatomy and physiology knowledge to understand various clinical presentations.

This module will focus on anatomy and physiology as is relevant to, and underpins, speech and language therapy theory and practice. Content includes: Nomenclature and general concepts in anatomy and physiology, organisation of planes of the body, histological organisation and function of skeletal muscles, and connective and nervous tissues; Structure and function of the head and neck including oral cavity, face, larynx, pharynx, and ears, and links structural and functional components of the ear with transmission and transduction of sound into neural signal, and presentations of hearing; Cranio-facial development and impact on speech, mastication, and swallowing; Organisation and function of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and impact on speech, language, and swallowing ability; Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology including structures / components and functions of the brain and spinal cord, the central and peripheral nervous system of cerebrum, basal nuclei and cerebellum, and the somato-sensory system, physiology of neurons, structure, and function of cranial nerves in relation to communication, eating, drinking, and swallowing. Students will learn to relate clinical signs, symptoms, and presentation features (including muscle weakness, paresis, hypotonia, hypertonia, spasticity etc.) to potential neuro-pathophysiology, and to speech and eating, drinking and swallowing.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Define general terminology and concepts in anatomy and physiology. Associate structural and functional components of the ear with sound transmission and transduction with different presentations of hearing. Explain organisation and function of cardiovascular and respiratory systems in relation to speech, language, and swallowing. Identify potential neuro-pathophysiology from clinical signs, symptoms and presentations in relation to speech, language, and swallowing functions Describe key structures and functions of the brain, head, and neck in relation to speech, language, and swallowing. Outline normal and abnormal cranio-facial development and the implications for speech, mastication, and swallowing.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of anatomical structures and functions to speech and language therapy theory and practice

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

This module is delivered in a structured and interactive format. Students attend a mixture of lectures, labs and tutorials and engage in private study and with online learning resources. The graduate attributes of curiosity, articulation, and agility are developed through opportunities for problem-based group learning using anatomical models and lab resources, clinical cases, peer-to-peer discussion, and self-directed learning through web-based content and further learning resources, all updated yearly to reflect recent research and developments in this area. Students will participate in the learning environment through engagement in teaching and learning strategies e.g. lectures, discussions, tutorials, labs, group work, self-directed learning and assessment, and recommended reading.