Through a comprehensive course of study in gross anatomy, embryology, histology, and neuroscience, the anatomy curriculum of the basic sciences provides thorough instruction in the morphology of the human body. The study of anatomy is particularly germane to osteopathic medicine because the relationship between structure and function is a fundamental tenet of osteopathic philosophy. Direct observation of human structure is the essence of the Anatomical Sciences course. All students participate in the dissection of the donor under the guidance of the Department of Anatomy faculty in dissection workshops. Dissection is supplemented by the study of surface anatomy, models, osteologic specimens, radiographs and transverse sections. In addition, there are concurrent ultrasound workshops to demonstrate the clinical relevance of the anatomy being learned. The curriculum also includes the normal pattern of human development with an emphasis on the development of specific organ systems, the microscopic structure of cells and their organization into tissues and organs, and case studies to apply and reinforce clinical concepts.