Curriculum

17 Sections
1548 Lessons
100 Days

Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections

U01.01 Biochemistry
This biochemistry review for USMLE Step 1 covers essential topics including metabolism, enzymology, and molecular biology.
126
U01.02 Immunology
Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Immunology with a comprehensive review covering foundational concepts, immune system mechanisms, and key disorders to solidify your understanding and boost exam readiness.
42
U01.03 Microbiology
Review essential microbiology topics for the USMLE Step 1, covering key pathogens, mechanisms of disease, and antimicrobial principles critical for mastering infectious disease concepts.
172
U01.04 General Pathology
Explore key concepts in general pathology essential for the USMLE Step 1. This review covers fundamental principles, disease mechanisms, and clinical correlations to help you excel in your medical exam.
35
U01.05 Pharmacology
Master key pharmacology concepts for the USMLE Step 1 with a focus on drug mechanisms, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, and interactions essential for high-yield exam performance.
43
U01.06 Public Health Sciences
Review essential Public Health Sciences topics for the USMLE Step 1, covering epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and ethics to strengthen your understanding of foundational public health principles.
53
U01.07 Cardiovascular system
Comprehensive review of essential cardiovascular system topics to help you excel in the USMLE Step 1 exam, covering key concepts from anatomy to pathology.
73
U01.08 Endocrine system
Master essential concepts of the endocrine system for USMLE Step 1, covering hormone regulation, feedback mechanisms, and key disorders to boost your exam readiness.
51
U01.09 Gastrointestinal system
Review key topics in the gastrointestinal system for the USMLE Step 1, covering essential concepts in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology to reinforce your understanding and test readiness.
131
U01.10 Hematology and Oncology
This review covers essential Hematology and Oncology topics for the USMLE Step 1, including hematopoiesis, coagulation, anemias, leukemias, lymphomas, and neoplastic syndromes.
148
U01.11 Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue
Review essential topics for the USMLE Step 1 Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue systems, covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology fundamentals critical for exam success.
178
U01.12 Neurology and Special Senses
Master the foundational concepts of Neurology and Special Senses with our USMLE Step 1 review, covering essential topics like neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and sensory pathways.
143
U01.13 Psychiatry
Psychiatry for the USMLE Step 1 focuses on understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders, with an emphasis on key concepts like neurotransmitter imbalances, mental health disorders, and pharmacology.
83
U01.14 Renal System
The Renal System review for USMLE Step 1 covers key concepts including renal physiology, nephron function, acid-base balance, electrolyte regulation, and renal pathology, crucial for understanding both normal and abnormal kidney functions.
81
U01.15 Reproductive System
The USMLE Step 1 Reproductive System review covers key concepts in human reproduction, including anatomy, physiology, endocrinology, and common pathologies affecting both male and female reproductive health.
124
U01.16 Respiratory System
The Respiratory System review for the USMLE Step 1 covers key concepts in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology essential for understanding respiratory diseases and treatments.
61
U01.17 Rapid Review
he USMLE Step 1 Rapid Review covers essential topics across multiple disciplines, providing a concise, high-yield overview to reinforce key concepts and optimize your exam preparation.
5

Childhood primary brain tumors

Childhood brain tumors can present with various clinical features depending on their location, size, and type. Below is a summary of the most common childhood brain tumors, their histology, and key characteristics.

1. Pilocytic Astrocytoma

Tumor Description:

The most common primary brain tumor in childhood
Often found in the posterior fossa, especially in the cerebellum
May also present supratentorial
Benign with a good prognosis

Histology:

Astrocyte origin
GFAP positive
Presence of Rosenthal fibers: eosinophilic, corkscrew-shaped fibers
Tumor is often cystic and solid (gross appearance)

Feature	Description
Location	Posterior fossa (cerebellum), can be supratentorial
Prognosis	Excellent
Histological Finding	Rosenthal fibers, GFAP positive

Points to Remember:

Pilocytic astrocytomas are typically benign and have a low-grade classification.
Good prognosis after treatment, often involving resection.

2. Medulloblastoma

Tumor Description:

The most common malignant brain tumor in childhood
Commonly found in the cerebellum
Can compress the 4th ventricle, causing noncommunicating hydrocephalus (headaches, papilledema)
May affect the cerebellar vermis, leading to truncal ataxia
Capable of drop metastases to the spinal cord

Histology:

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET)
Homer-Wright rosettes (characteristic feature)
Small blue cells on histological examination
Synaptophysin positive

Feature	Description
Location	Cerebellum can metastasize to the spinal cord
Histological Finding	Homer-Wright rosettes, Synaptophysin positive
Prognosis	Poor, but treatable in many cases

Points to Remember:

Medulloblastomas are malignant and can metastasize, leading to a worse prognosis.
Truncal ataxia and hydrocephalus are common presenting symptoms.

3. Ependymoma

Tumor Description:

Commonly found in the 4th ventricle
Hydrocephalus is common due to obstruction of CSF flow
Poor prognosis due to high recurrence rate

Histology:

Ependymal cell origin
Perivascular pseudorosettes characteristic of ependymoma
Presence of rod-shaped blepharoplasts (basal ciliary bodies) near the nucleus

Feature	Description
Location	4th ventricle
Histological Finding	Perivascular pseudorosettes, blepharoplasts
Prognosis	Poor

Points to Remember:

Ependymomas often cause hydrocephalus due to their location.
Histologically, they are characterized by perivascular pseudorosettes.

4. Craniopharyngioma

Tumor Description:

Most common supratentorial tumor in children
May be confused with pituitary adenoma (both cause bitemporal hemianopia)
Derived from remnants of Rathke pouch (ectoderm)
Calcification is common, and cholesterol crystals are found in the tumor’s cystic fluid

Histology:

The tumor often contains motor oil-like fluid with cholesterol crystals
Calcification visible on imaging

Feature	Description
Location	Supratentorial, near the pituitary gland
Histological Finding	Cholesterol crystals, calcification
Prognosis	Generally good with surgery

Points to Remember:

Craniopharyngiomas often cause endocrine dysfunction, such as growth hormone deficiency, due to pituitary involvement.

5. Pinealoma

Tumor Description:

Located in the pineal gland
Can lead to Parinaud syndrome (vertical gaze palsy due to compression of the tectum)
Causes obstructive hydrocephalus (compression of the cerebral aqueduct)
Precocious puberty in males due to hCG production

Histology:

Similar to germ cell tumors, such as testicular seminoma

Feature	Description
Location	Pineal gland
Clinical Features	Parinaud syndrome, obstructive hydrocephalus, precocious puberty in males
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment

Points to Remember:

Pinealomas can produce hCG, leading to precocious puberty in males.
Parinaud syndrome (vertical gaze palsy) is a hallmark symptom.

Your voice matters – comment below!Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

USMLE Step 1 Review Series

Curriculum

Childhood primary brain tumors

1. Pilocytic Astrocytoma

Tumor Description:

Histology:

Points to Remember:

2. Medulloblastoma

Tumor Description:

Histology:

Points to Remember:

3. Ependymoma

Tumor Description:

Histology:

Points to Remember:

4. Craniopharyngioma

Tumor Description:

Histology:

Points to Remember:

5. Pinealoma

Tumor Description:

Histology:

Points to Remember:

Your voice matters – comment below!Cancel reply

Modal title