Dissectible Me 5 minute anatomy
127 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsWelcome to dissectible me. Human anatomy in 5-minute chunks.
In this weekly podcast, we will cover everything from introductions to bodily systems, to some very focused but fascinating nuggets of anatomical knowledge. One rule, it must be covered in 5 minutes only! Whether you are a student exploring the content for the first time, a healthcare professional refreshing your anatomy knowledge, or someone with 5 minutes to kill, this podcast is suitable for anyone with an interest in the human body. So join us as we set the timer and rattle through the captivating microcosmos that is human anatomy.
Narrated by Sam Webster & Chris Summers
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Episodes
Enteric nervous system
April 19, 2024 17:29 - 6 minutes - 14.8 MBThe enteric nervous system describes the nerves of the gastrointestinal tract that autonomously regulate much of its function. Sometimes called the second brain it is a complex network of sensory inputs linked to motor outputs organised into two major plexuses running the entire length of the gut.
Phrenic nerve
April 12, 2024 16:21 - 6 minutes - 12.4 MBThe phrenic nerve is well known for its role in innervating the diaphragm and its roots in the C3, 4 and 5 spinal nerves. It also innervates the pericardium, is implicated in the runner's stitch pain and can be responsible for pain in the shoulder.
Sciatic nerve
April 05, 2024 15:49 - 6 minutes - 12.7 MBThe largest nerve in the body has many spinal nerve roots in the low back that are often the cause of pain in the lower limb. Let's quickly describe the anatomy of this huge nerve.
Atherosclerosis - the artery disease
March 22, 2024 17:44 - 7 minutes - 13.4 MBOne of the huge reasons that exercise and a good diet are so important is atherosclerosis. This pathology describes a change to the walls of arteries that can cause narrowing, rupture or blocking of an artery. If this occurs in an artery supplying blood to the heart or the brain this will probably cause death, and is a leading cause of death in western countries.
Skin anatomy
March 19, 2024 14:26 - 6 minutes - 11 MBIt's the largest organ in the body (or on the body)? You can't live without it, it is an entire system of the body (the integumentary system), it is the major sensory organ, and it gets wrinkly as you get older. Skin!
Epithelium
March 08, 2024 16:50 - 5 minutes - 10.5 MBThere are only four tissues that make up the body (epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous). We should talk about epithelia and carcinoma.
Erb's palsy
March 01, 2024 17:06 - 5 minutes - 10.7 MBErb's palsy is an upper brachial plexus injury and is an example of why learning the anatomy of the brachial plexus is important. How does this palsy present and what has been injured?
Aorta
February 23, 2024 17:20 - 5 minutes - 10.4 MBThe aorta is the major artery that runs the length of the torso, has some cool curves, and supplies blood to everything.
Trendelenburg Gait
February 09, 2024 16:07 - 5 minutes - 11 MBGait is complicated, and Trendelenburg gait is an abnormal gait caused by a weakness or paralysis of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. How does this work? (Or not work)?
Adrenal Glands and Adrenaline
February 02, 2024 17:28 - 7 minutes - 13.8 MBThe adrenal glands are vital and the cortex and medulla of each have different functions. Let's talk about their anatomy and what they do.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint
January 26, 2024 16:42 - 6 minutes - 12 MBThe sacroiliac joint is a very strong joint that takes the load of the torso from the vertebral column and sends it to the pelvis and lower limbs. It is a synovial joint that allows a little movement and is strongly supported by ligaments. Pain here is often caused by the joint being pulled too far by the large muscles that cross it or that move the pelvis.
Rib Bones
January 19, 2024 16:54 - 6 minutes - 12.5 MBThe ribs are a series of 12 curving bones on either side of the torso forming the walls of the thorax and upper abdomen. Let's talk about their parts and how they move.
Pancreas
January 12, 2024 16:38 - 6 minutes - 12.6 MBThe pancreas is an organ that most people know about because of its job in producing insulin and managing blood sugar levels. When this doesn't work correctly diabetes develops. It has other endocrine roles and exocrine jobs too, in digestion. Let's talk about where it is in the body and some of the details of the anatomy of this vital organ in 5 minutesish.
Pelvis Bones
January 12, 2024 11:49 - 6 minutes - 11.4 MBThe pelvis has two halves (left and right) but each half is also made up of three bones. Let's look at the anatomy of the ilium, ischium and pubis bones and how they link to the back and lower limb.
Nuchal Ligament
January 12, 2024 11:25 - 3 minutes - 7.31 MBThe nuchal ligament is in the back of your neck and you can feel it when you flex your neck forwards. What does it do and where does it come from?
The Pudendal Nerve
January 12, 2024 11:13 - 5 minutes - 10.4 MBThe pudendal nerve is responsible for sensation from the external genitalia and the perineum, and for motor innervation of the muscles here including the urethral and anal sphincters. It comes from the sacral plexus, so how does it get to the perineum?
Elbow Pain
November 10, 2023 12:06 - 6 minutes - 11.9 MBIn this episode, let’s use the common complaint of elbow pain as a vector to explore the anatomy around the elbow. Terms covered this week: medial & lateral epicondyle. Pronation & supination. Medial epicondylitis aka golfer’s elbow. Lateral epicondylitis aka tennis elbow. Flexor muscles, specifically flexor digitorum muscles (superficialis & profundus), flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus & pronator teres. The extensor muscles, mainly the extensor carpi radialis l...
Elbow pain
November 10, 2023 12:06 - 6 minutes - 11.9 MBIn this episode, let’s use the common complaint of elbow pain as a vector to explore the anatomy around the elbow. Terms covered this week: medial & lateral epicondyle. Pronation & supination. Medial epicondylitis aka golfer’s elbow. Lateral epicondylitis aka tennis elbow. Flexor muscles, specifically flexor digitorum muscles (superficialis & profundus), flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus & pronator teres. The extensor muscles, mainly the extensor carpi radialis l...
The Cornea
October 27, 2023 08:31 - 7 minutes - 13.2 MBLet’s discuss the clear transparent tissue that sits anterior to the pupil and iris of your eye. Today we will explore the 5 layers of this tissue and link back to their function. There may be more to this area of anatomy than initially meets the eye……😶 Terms covered this week: the cornea, sclera, and progenitor cells. The 5 layers of the cornea are; the epithelium, the Bowmen’s layer (aka the anterior limiting membrane), the stroma, Descemet’s membrane (aka the posterior limiting membrane)...
The Azygos vein
October 16, 2023 08:31 - 6 minutes - 11 MBThe anatomy of venous drainage of the thoracic wall. What is the azygos venous system? Where is it found? Why is it important & interesting? Terms covered this week, The azygos, hemiazygos & accessory hemiazygos veins.
Intervertebral disks
September 22, 2023 14:05 - 6 minutes - 12.1 MBWe are back! Pun intended. In this episode, Sam will discuss the very important structure that exists between the vertebrae of your spine. The fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disk. This mobile, compressible, and stabilising tissue is integral for a happy healthy spine. Terms covered this week: The annulus fibrosus & the nucleus pulposus. Type I & type II collagen. Vertebral endplate & disk herniation.
The Optic nerve (CNII)
August 06, 2023 19:54 - 6 minutes - 12.7 MBAn anatomist’s ramblings on the optic nerve, colour vision & visual decussation. Terms covered this week: The retina & its rod and cone cells. The optic nerve, optic chiasm & optic tract. Trichromats, dichromats, tetrachromats & achromatopsia.
The Peritoneum
July 28, 2023 12:13 - 7 minutes - 13.1 MBLet’s discuss the sheets of connective tissue in the abdominal cavity, aka the peritoneum. Let’s explore how the folds of this membrane are called different things depending on how many folds there are, & how these folds form spaces……that us anatomists also name. In addition to the terminology, let's discuss the functions & clinical relevance of all these membranes, to justify knowing them. Terms covered this week: The peritoneum & the parietal & visceral iterations of this. Peritoneal flui...
The Eye (Basics)
July 22, 2023 08:22 - 6 minutes - 11.6 MBIn this episode lend me your ears, to understand your eyes. Let’s cover some basic ophthalmic anatomy in a whistle-stop tour of the anatomy of the eye. Terms covered this week include the cornea, conjunctiva & sclera. The iris, pupil, ciliary muscles, suspensory ligaments & the lens. The retina including its rod and cone cells. Finally, the aqueous and vitreous humours fill in the gaps.
Bleeds Inside the Skull
July 14, 2023 12:47 - 5 minutes - 10.6 MBFollowing the Meninges podcast, this soundbite is dedicated to the anatomy of bleeds inside the skull. Terms covered this week include the cerebral arteries & subarachnoid haemorrhages. Cerebral bridging veins & subdural haemorrhages. Meningeal arteries & extra/epidural haemorrhages.
The Meninges
July 01, 2023 13:08 - 6 minutes - 11 MBIn this episode, we discuss the three connective tissue layers that surround the brain & spinal cord. Terms covered this week are the dura mater, the arachnoid mater & pia mater. The leptomeninges & subarachnoid space. We also discuss meningitis.
Hip movements & muscles
June 05, 2023 15:37 - 5 minutes - 10.4 MBMuscles & movements of the hip joint in 5 minutes or less! This is a challenge, but here we aim to provide a broad overview of the hip muscles, the movements of these muscles & their innervation. Terms covered this week: The movements of the hip, flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and internal & external rotation. The muscles of the hip: iliacus, psoas major & rectus femoris. Sartorius & pectineus. Gluteus maximus & the hamstrings. Gluteus medius & gluteus minimus. Gracilis & the add...
Hiatus hernias
May 20, 2023 15:35 - 6 minutes - 11.3 MBCompleting our hernia series, in this episode Sam covers the anatomy of a hiatus hernia. What is it, how does it occur, what are its consequences and how do you treat them? Terms covered this week are hiatus hernias (and their types). The oesophageal hiatus of the diaphragm, the oesophageal smooth and striated muscles. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Femoral hernias
May 06, 2023 07:13 - 5 minutes - 10.5 MBIn this episode let's prise out the anatomy of femoral hernias. What are they, where are they, and how do they differ from last week's topic of inguinal hernias? The main terms covered this week are femoral hernias and the femoral canal. The femoral arteries, nerves & veins. The fascia lata of the lower limb and its saphenous opening.
The Inguinal canal & Inguinal hernias
April 21, 2023 21:14 - 6 minutes - 11.1 MBThis week let's explore the muscular canal found in the anterior wall of the lower abdomen, the inguinal canal. During our exploration let's apply this anatomy to a common medical condition, inguinal hernias. How do inguinal hernias occur & what is the difference between a direct & an indirect hernia? This week's terms are the anterolateral abdominal muscles (External & internal oblique muscles & the transversus abdominis muscle). The inguinal ligmanet & the deep & superficial inguinal rin...
Nasal blood supply & Epistaxis
April 14, 2023 17:54 - 5 minutes - 10.9 MBThis week let's re-enter the nasal cavity & focus our attention on its blood supply. Why does the nose have such a significant blood supply? What vessels contribute to it? And what happens when it breaks? The terms covered this week are Little's area or Kiesselbach's plexus & Woodruff's plexus. The blood vessels with the mnemonic L.E.G.S, Labial (Superior), Ethmoids (anterior & posterior), Greater palatine & Sphenopalatine arteries.
The Diaphragm
March 31, 2023 07:07 - 6 minutes - 11.1 MBThis week we explore the primary muscle of respiration that separates the thoracic & abdominal cavities. A muscle that was historically thought of as being the seat of the soul. In this podcast, we will dissect out the diaphragm's form, function, innervation, & blood supply. Whilst also explaining the origin of some of the terms we use to describe diaphragm-related structures. The terms mentioned this week are the diaphragm and phrenic nerves. Costophrenic and costodiaphragmatic angles. The...
The Pharynx (An Introduction)
March 24, 2023 14:12 - 5 minutes - 10.7 MBIn this 5-minute soundbite, we will cover the very basics of the tube that connects your nose, mouth and aerodigestive tracts. Location, subparts, composition, function and dysfunction. We will also cover sensory and motor innervation. Terms covered this week; The pharynx and its subparts. Nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx (or hypopharynx). The constrictor muscles and mucosa. The vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves.
Nerves of the Hand
March 16, 2023 08:23 - 5 minutes - 10.7 MBThis week we cover the nerves of the hand. The major motor components & the sensory distribution of each of the nerves that meander into the distal extremity of the upper limb. Terms covered in this episode are the median, radial & ulnar nerves. The flexor retinaculum. The thenar eminence & the lumbricals.
The Atlas & Axis (C1 & C2)
March 09, 2023 22:36 - 6 minutes - 11.4 MBAdorning the top of your spine are two unique vertebrae. Arguably the most important of the lot. Your Atlas & Axis or C1 & C2. In this episode, we explore greek inspired etymology, vertebral osteology & investigate why exactly cervical spinal injuries are so dangerous. By the end of this episode, you should be able to look through the 33 spinal bones all jumbled up & easily pick these two from the bunch. Terms covered this week; Atlas & axis. Spinous & transverse processes. Vertebral and t...
The Pineal gland
March 03, 2023 08:43 - 7 minutes - 13.4 MBA fascinating topic this week, the pineal gland. The neuroendocrine structure that releases melatonin and helps regulate sleep cycles. Also, a structure that throughout history people have tried to assign all sorts of unusual functions. Join us this week as we try to unravel fact from fiction whilst covering location, function, and a smidge of clinical relevance. Terms covered this week are the pineal gland, melatonin, pineal or parietal eye. Circadian rhythm, diurnal & sleep hygiene.
The Carpal bones
February 24, 2023 20:23 - 6 minutes - 11.3 MBIn this episode let’s take a glance at some of the trickiest bones to identify, the bones of the carpus or wrist. More commonly known as the carpal bones. Terms covered this week. The wrist movements of flexion, extension, ulnar & radial deviation. The carpal bones; trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate, pisiform, triquetrum, lunate & scaphoid. The anatomical snuff box & avascular necrosis.
The Cardiac veins
February 17, 2023 09:25 - 5 minutes - 9.89 MBWhen it comes to the heart and its blood supply the coronary arteries take most of the limelight. But where does the deoxygenated blood go after supplying the muscle of the heart? How does it return to the circulatory system? In short, it travels through the cardiac veins our focus for this week's podcast. Names, locations and their anatomy. Terms covered this week; The great, the middle and the small cardiac veins. The coronary sinus.
The Brainstem (An Introduction)
February 10, 2023 12:31 - 6 minutes - 12.7 MBThis week let's take a first pass at covering some brainstem anatomy. Let's discuss the three subsections, the broad functions these have, and point out some of the fascinating features this vital area of the brain houses. Terms covered this week, The midbrain, the pons and the medulla oblongata. The cerebral and cerebellar peduncles. The corpora quadragemina, which itself is made up of the superior and inferior colliculi. The red nucleus, the substantia nigra and the reticular formation. T...
The Pericardium
February 02, 2023 11:29 - 6 minutes - 11.3 MBToday let’s discuss the membranous layers of tissue that house and protect the heart. What they are, where they are, function, innervation, importance, and a smidge of clinical relevance to finish. Terms covered this week. Layers of the heart; endocardium, myocardium & epicardium. The two layers of the pericardium; the serous pericardium (itself divided into visceral & parietal) & the fibrous pericardium. The pericardial cavity. Phrenic nerves & cardiac tamponade.
Teeth (The basics)
January 26, 2023 17:11 - 6 minutes - 11.1 MBIn this episode let’s take a bite out of some dental anatomy, by covering the basics of the tooth. Let’s uncover some details of the organic living rocks that inhabit our jaws, made up of four tissue types with a rich neurovascular supply. Terms discussed in today’s episode are gingiva, the crown & the root of a tooth. The four tissues are enamel, cementum, dentin & pulp. The gomphosis joint is formed by the periodontal ligaments & finishing off we discuss the neurovascular supply of the su...
The Coronary arteries
January 20, 2023 15:43 - 6 minutes - 12.2 MBThe tissue and muscle of the heart need a good blood supply. Enter the coronary arteries. A left and a right but also some other major branches to know about. Terms, or arteries covered this week; The aorta. The right coronary artery & the posterior descending artery (PDA). The left coronary artery, circumflex artery & anterior interventricular artery aka left anterior descending artery (LAD).
The Shoulder
January 15, 2023 21:32 - 5 minutes - 10 MBIn this episode, we explore the osteology of the shoulder. The bones, joints & mobility vs stability. Terms covered in this episode; The bones of the humerus, clavicle and scapular. The articulations of the glenohumeral joint, the acromioclavicular joint and the sternoclavicular joint. Finally the bony projections of the coracoid process, the acromion and the spine of the scapular.
The Thalamus
January 03, 2023 15:00 - 6 minutes - 12.4 MBA neuroanatomical review of the thalamus. What is it, where is it, what does it do, what happens when it gets damaged, that sort of thing.
The Perineum
December 08, 2022 17:41 - 5 minutes - 10.7 MBDefinitions, locations, anatomical associations, innervations and in fact most of the 'ations' involving the perineum. NB This is NOT to be confused with the term peroneal which is all things related to the fibula and calf of the leg. Terms covered this week; Perineum, pelvic floor & pelvic diaphragm. Perineal membrane, perineal body & urogenital triangle. Superficial & deep perineal pouches. Pudendal nerves, arteries & veins.
The Muscles of Mastication
December 01, 2022 16:03 - 6 minutes - 12 MBBuilding on a previous episode that discussed the mandible, in this soundbite we cover the muscles that act upon the lower jaw to chew, the muscles of mastication. Terms covered this week are four muscles: the temporalis, the masseter and the medial & lateral pterygoids. Some bony anatomy in the sphenoid bone, the pterygoid plates, the zygomatic arch and the coronoid process of the mandible. Finally, the nerve that controls them all. The mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (CNV3).
The Thoracic apertures
November 25, 2022 10:00 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBIn this episode, we review the anatomy of the thoracic apertures. What are they, where are they and what are the main structures that pass through their openings? Terms covered this week; Superior and inferior thoracic apertures. The thoracic inlet and outlet (confusingly the same thing). Finally the well-documented clinical condition of thoracic outlet syndrome.
Pleural Recesses
November 17, 2022 18:19 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBLet's take another look at the pleura in this episode. This time let's focus on the pleural recesses, innervation of the pleura and some clinical relevance. Terms covered this week; Costal pleura, diaphragmatic pleura & mediastinal pleura. The pleural recess (aka the costophrenic recess) & the costomediastinal recess. The clinically relevant pleural effusion & pleuritic chest pain.
The Vestibular system & Balance
November 10, 2022 16:16 - 7 minutes - 13.4 MBThis episode tackles the beautifully complex area of the inner ear whose function it is to detect motion and facilitate, in part, balance. Terms covered this week; The bony & membranous labyrinth of the inner ear. The fluids perilymph & endolymph that flood these cavities. The stereocilia, macula, crista, cupula and otoconia that comprise the delicate inner organs of balance. Finally the clinical relevance of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), the symptom of vertigo, the sign nystagmus and...
The Pleura
October 26, 2022 11:24 - 6 minutes - 11.3 MBIn this episode, we discuss the very thin serous membrane that surrounds the lung and thorax which is absolutely crucial for life. The terms covered in this episode are visceral and parietal pleura. Pleural space, pneumothorax and haemothorax.