Anatomy: Upper Limb

Overview

The upper limb is built for reach and fine motor control, and this course traces the anatomy that makes both possible, region by region.

The course opens with the osteology and surface anatomy of the upper limb and the joints that connect its segments, then examines the fascia and neurovascular structures running through it, including the median, ulnar, radial, and axillary nerves. From there, the course moves through the muscles of the shoulder and the anatomy of the axilla, arm, forearm, and hand, closing with the carpal tunnel and the intrinsic and extrinsic structures of the hand.

Clinical correlations are built directly into the course, since named peripheral nerve lesions, such as those affecting the median or ulnar nerve, and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome are taught alongside the anatomy that explains them. The emphasis throughout is on localizing a deficit to the structure responsible for it, a skill built on the anatomical terminology and reasoning established in the earlier courses of this program.

Syllabus 8

Osteology and Surface Anatomy of the Upper Limbs 3 hours
This module covers the osteology and surface anatomy of the upper limb, from the pectoral girdle through the arm, forearm, and hand, highlighting key bony landmarks and their clinical relevance.
Joints of the Upper Limbs 2.5 hours
This module covers the joints of the upper limb, including the ligamentous support, vascular supply, and ranges of motion of the pectoral girdle, glenohumeral, elbow, forearm, wrist, and digital joints.
Fasciae and Neurovasculature of the Upper Limbs 4.5 hours
This module covers the fascial organization, arterial and venous supply, and peripheral nerve anatomy of the upper limb, including the clinical effects of nerve injury.
Muscles of the Shoulder 1 hour
This module covers the muscles connecting the trunk to the shoulder girdle and the scapulohumeral muscles, including the rotator cuff.
Anatomy of the Axilla 1.5 hours
This module covers the anatomy of the axilla, including its boundaries and gateways, its vasculature, and the organization of the brachial plexus.
Anatomy of the Arm 2 hours
This module covers the cross-sectional anatomy, muscles, and neurovasculature of the anterior and posterior compartments of the arm, including the cubital fossa.
Anatomy of the Forearm 2.5 hours
This module covers the muscular compartments of the forearm, including the origin, insertion, innervation, and function of the flexor and extensor muscles, and the arterial and nerve supply of each compartment.
Anatomy of the Hand 2 hours
This module covers the surface anatomy of the hand, its intrinsic muscles, and the structures of the carpal tunnel and extrinsic flexor tendon system.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

Structured courses with graded quizzes, assignments and deadlines you can reset.
A shareable certificate from the university or company when you pay.
Financial aid is often approved for students in India (apply 15 days before you need it).
Self-paced: start any time.
A clear syllabus (8 parts) you can see before you start.

Disadvantages

Paid after a 7-day free trial (Coursera Plus or per course).
Some courses can be audited for free, but graded work and certificates need payment.

Some points apply to every course of this kind; see how we rank.

This course is paid. Here is how to take it for free

Free trials: You can start a 7-day free trial for many individual courses, Specializations, or a Coursera Plus subscription to test full course features. Cancel before the seventh day if you do not want to be charged.
Financial aid: If you cannot afford the fee for a certificate, you can apply for financial aid through the link on the course home page by filling out an application about your background and goals.