Peer Review

Cranial Nerve Diagrams

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Jan 12, 2015 by Biology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

Cranial Nerve Diagrams is part of a larger website entitled “Anatomy of the Brain” developed by the University of British Columbia, and is employed as an atlas within the site. The diagrams include several pictures of all twelve cranial nerve tracts from “Cranial Nerves in Health and Disease” 2002 © Wilson-Pauwels, Akesson, Stewart, Spacy, B C Decker Inc. These diagrams include images of both upper motor neuron tracts associated with the carinal nerves and the lower motor neuron tracts. These diagrams also include pictorial explanations of several anatomical functions such as eye movements, Bell’s Palsy, Central Facial Palsy (Central Seven), cranial nerve testing, and lesions. The site includes both labeled and unlabeled diagrams. The target audience would include upper level undergraduate students and health professional students such as medical, physical therapy, physician assistant, and nursing students.

Type of Material:

collection, reference material

Recommended Uses:

This site could be used as an atlas or supplement for a neuroanatomy or neuroscience course. The diagrams provide a good review of content for students to practice and/or review. The images could be incorporated into worksheets or lectures.

Technical Requirements:

This site can be easily viewed with Google Chrome and Internet Explorer.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

The site does not list specific learning outcomes. However, after completion of this site, students will be able to:
1. Identify the location of the cranial nerve nuclei within the brain and brainstem.
2. Diagram the upper motor neuron tracts and the cranial nerve tracts.
3. Identify lesions caused by the cranial nerves.

Target Student Population:

Undergraduate and graduate level Anatomy and Physiology classes, advanced high school classes

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Knowledge of basic anatomical terminology

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

Diagrams are anatomically correct and the labels are accurate.
The diagrams show the paths of the cranial nerves in several different views with an emphasis on anatomical relationships.
The site is concise.
The content is related to core curriculum within neuroanatomy and neuroscience disciplines.

Concerns:

The diagrams do not provide detailed explanations or summarize the concept.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

The graphics are of high quality and are easy to read.
The blend of text and images makes the material interesting
The diagrams provide a good review of cranial nerve tracts.
Easy to incorporate into a lecture or lab setting.
The site includes both labeled and unlabeled images that can be used for student practice.

Concerns:

No objectives are listed.
Interactivity is limited to page turning and viewing images.
The site only uses images and limited text and may not appeal to audio or kinesthetic learners.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The site is easy to navigate.
The table of contents is clearly organized.
Diagrams are clear and captioned accordingl
Navigation is clear.
Creative commons license 2.5 Non-commercial, Share alike

Concerns:

Figure 11 in Cranial Nerve VII is not functional.

Other Issues and Comments:: This is an excellent learning material for anatomy and neurobiology students, and students in the health care professions who are preparing to take their boards.
Creative Commons: