Head, Neck, Back and Upper Limb

This unit examines the anatomy and clinical function of the head (special senses), neck, back, pectoral girdle, and upper limb, emphasizing bones, muscles, joints, nerves, and vasculature. Students practice hands‑on assessment skills (palpation, range of motion, strength, and basic neurologic/sensory testing) and apply clinical correlations to common musculoskeletal and neurologic presentations in preparation for advanced upper‑extremity interventions in Unit 4.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the structural anatomy and interrelationships of the skull (special sensory organs), cervical spine, thoracolumbar back, pectoral girdle, shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand including bones, major muscles, joints, nerves, and blood supply.
• Demonstrate safe and accurate palpation, landmark identification, range of motion measurement, and manual muscle testing for the cervical region, shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand.
• Apply knowledge of peripheral and cranial nerve pathways to interpret sensory and motor examination findings for vision, smell, taste, hearing, cervical nerve function, and upper‑extremity neurological assessment.
• Evaluate common musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions of the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, forearm, and wrist using anatomical and assessment findings to recommend appropriate basic interventions, referrals, and prevention strategies.