Nervous System

For the 2025–2026 school year, Shannon Brodersen, MD, and Kimberly Honn, PhD, have teamed up to co-direct and redesign the section. We have made changes based on student and faculty feedback from previous years, including beginning the block with a strong foundation of basic science—neuroanatomy including the structure, function, and clinical relevance of brain structures; cell signaling; normal functioning in systems and pathways; and neuroimaging basics—before diving into nervous system pathology.

Each learning objective has been intentionally developed to reflect high-yield topics in preparation for the USMLE Step 1 exam. The lecture themes, as well as specific details to be covered, have been selected and ordered to progressively building up your knowledge base across the block and to prepare you for future education and eventual patient care.