This course is offered for .4 CEUs or 4 hours of continuing professional development (Introductory Level: Basic Communication Processes).

This course was originally created as web course SPPA 362, Neuroanatomy of Speech, Swallowing and Language at California State University, Chico. The purpose of this course is to provide a review of the anatomy and physiology of the brain, and an in depth understanding of the neuroscience of swallowing, speech, and language. At the successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:

• List the main arteries that are important for blood flow to the brain


• Recognize the parts of the central nervous system and their function


• Identify the cerebral lobes and their function


• Recognize the parts of the brain stem and their function


• Recognize the importance of the cerebellum


• Identify the cranial nerves involved in speech, hearing and swallowing

Patrick McCaffrey, Ph.D went through national school in Killavullen, Ireland and secondary school in Mallow, and Tullow, Co Carlow, but did his university work in the USA. Patrick's bachelor's degree is from Curry College in Massachusetts (1969); his master's is from Montclair State in New Jersey (1971), and his doctorate is from Ohio University (1975). Patrick is Professor/Coordinator, Speech Pathology Graduate Program California State University, Chico.