Functional Neuroanatomy for Veterinarians

Author Biography

After several years in clinical practice, Prof. Dr. med. vet. habil. Michael H. Stoffel turned to Veterinary Anatomy to pursue his passion for the natural sciences through both research and teaching. At the University of Bern, Switzerland, he soon assumed responsibility for neuroanatomy, a field that has long captivated him with its intricate complexity, wide-ranging clinical relevance, and central role in sustaining life and regulating behaviour. This enduring fascination led him to develop innovative, evidence-informed teaching strategies that integrate computer-based and online tools, interactive visualisations, digital assessment platforms and learning-management systems, in order to counter veterinary students’ “neurophobia” and to support their progression from novice learners to competent and confident professionals. The present book, complemented by an interactive 3D-model of the canine central nervous system, is conceived as both a comprehensive educational resource and as a reliable reference for clinical and research practice. It reflects the author’s decades-long dedication to neuroanatomy, to effective knowledge transfer, and to close collaboration with students and colleagues, and it bears witness to his sustained commitment to scientific rigour, deductive reasoning and to the continuous advancement of undergraduate and postgraduate neuroanatomy education.   Prof. Dr. Dr. Catrin S. Rutland started her career in human anatomy and transitioned over two decades ago into veterinary anatomy and histology. She is now the President of the European Association of Veterinary Anatomists, supporting international collaboration and learning. Catrin is passionate about teaching anatomy, including neuroanatomy, to our future generations of clinicians, both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has also created a university veterinary anatomy online museum and co-created an international, open access, veterinary anatomy and histology web-based museum. Her research has been published in 166 papers, books/book chapters, with 172 abstracts presented at conferences worldwide to date. Catrin believes in making anatomical knowledge and learning visible and accessible. This book brings knowledge to the reader in a comprehensive manner. It explains the concepts Catrin’s students and professionals ask about every day. The beautiful figures, mind maps, and integration of key facts and clinical implications make the information highly accessible.