• University of Leeds

Anatomy: Know Your Abdomen

Discover the human abdomen and how it works.

148,367 enrolled on this course

Anatomy: Know Your Abdomen

148,367 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
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    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

This course will help you identify the positions of organs within the abdomen and will introduce you to common anatomical terminology.

You will look at the anterior (front) abdominal wall, exploring how the ‘abs’ are considered in relation to health and beauty. You’ll then move on to look at the composition of the gastrointestinal tract. Focussing on common problems that can occur in this tract, you’ll hear from an abdominal surgeon about the work he does to treat and cure such problems.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 6 seconds Knowing more about our bodies and how they work is a fascinating topic. This short course provides the facts. Whether you are interested in studying medicine or biological sciences, or you are just interested in knowing more, this course will introduce you to the anatomy of the abdomen. Through videos, activities, and quizzes, you will become familiar with anatomical terminology used by medical practitioners. And we will start off by looking at the abdominal wall, and then move on to explore the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, before closing with a real-life case study from a surgeon at a local Leeds hospital. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to research and discuss topics with learners from around the world.

Skip to 0 minutes and 51 seconds Sign up now to Anatomy: Know Your Abdomen.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Get in touch with your abs

    • Welcome

      Welcome

      Before you get started take some time to introduce yourself and meet your fellow learners from around the world.

    • Activity One

      Locating the organs of the abdomen

      How much you already know about the anatomy of the abdomen? This activity will test your knowledge.

    • Activity Two

      Anatomical terminology

      This activity introduces some important anatomical terms which will be referenced throughout this course.

    • Activity Three

      The abdominal wall

      This activity introduces the anterior abdominal wall detailing its muscles and their functions.

    • Summary

      Summary

      To close this week we would like to introduce you to some of the options for studying at the University of Leeds. We also look forward to next week.

  • Week 2

    Ready to digest something new?

    • About week two

      About Week 2

      This week we explore the gastrointestinal tract, considering common problems that can occur in this tract. We also hear from an abdominal surgeon about the work he does to treat and cure such problems.

    • Activity One

      From top to bottom

      This activity introduces the gastrointestinal tract from the oesophagus to the rectum via the stomach, small intestines and large intestine.

    • Treating gastrointestinal problems

      In this activity James is joined by a surgeon to discuss how colorectal tumours are diagnosed and removed.

    • Summary

      What next?

      Having reached the end of this course, you can test your understanding and then look forward to the next course in the series, or further courses from the University of Leeds.

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...

  • Identify where the organs of the abdomen are located.
  • Identify key anatomical terminology by referring to the glossary.
  • Explore the basic features and muscles of the anterior abdominal wall.
  • Discuss the diverse range of functions carried out by the anterior abdominal wall musculature.
  • Research and discuss how the abdomen is referred to in the media.
  • Discuss your learning regarding the basic position and function of the gastrointestinal tract, from the oesophagus to the rectum.
  • Identify the position of the gastrointestinal tract and relate it to neighbouring organs.
  • Explore common gastrointestinal problems and how they are treated.
  • Research and discuss facts about the gastrointestinal tract.

Who is the course for?

This course is part of the Going to University collection which has been specifically designed for students at schools and colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds and help students to decide which subject to study at university.

Completion of the courses will also enhance students’ university applications.

The courses can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource.

Courses in this collection are also great for people that want an introduction in the specific subjects discussed in each course.

Who will you learn with?

James Pickering

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.

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

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

$244.99 for a whole year

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

$54/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 19 Feb 2025

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

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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