Speech Pathologists require a sound knowledge of the relevant structures and functions of the central and peripheral nervous system to be able to understand hearing, language and swallowing processes, and how disease or dysfunction affects them. This subject covers the anatomical and vascular structures of the head and neck, their development and functions, medical imaging and neural plasticity. Topics include the somatosensory systems, motor systems, and the role of the brainstem, cranial nerves, and executive systems in controlling hearing, speech, language and swallowing processes. Common congenital, degenerative and acquired neurological disorders are described. This subject will develop knowledge relevant to other subjects related to speech pathology.