ABPath Neuropathology study plan

Map gross neuroanatomy of cerebral lobes, ventricles, brainstem, and cerebellum onto normal histology

Dissect and describe the microscopic layers of neocortex, hippocampus, and cerebellar cortex

Trace the major ascending and descending tracts and state each tract's decussation level

Outline a standard grossing protocol for a whole brain and for a spinal cord specimen

Diagram the ventricular system and CSF flow pathway including arachnoid granulations

Identify cranial nerve nuclei by brainstem level and correlate with exiting fibers

Describe normal histology of peripheral nerve, dorsal root ganglion, and skeletal muscle fiber types

List the normal constituents and staining reactions of leptomeninges, choroid plexus, and ependyma

Classify cerebrovascular disease by mechanism and describe expected histologic findings for each

Compare histologic features of primary CNS tumors by cell of origin and grade criteria

Describe the workup and differential for a demyelinating versus infectious white matter lesion

State the sampling strategy for a brain biopsy and for an intraoperative smear

Contrast the major neurodegenerative disease patterns by region and inclusion type

Describe the gross and microscopic findings of herniation syndromes and cerebral edema

Correlate systemic disease states (hypertension, diabetes, coagulopathy, malignancy) with their neuropathologic consequences

Explain the role of the neuropathologist in brain death evaluation and autopsy consent discussions

Perform and document the gross examination sequence for skeletal muscle and peripheral nerve biopsies

Describe the histologic features of inflammatory, dystrophic, and metabolic myopathies

Outline the processing, orientation, and sectioning of an enucleation specimen and a corneal button

Identify the histologic layers of the eye and describe common ophthalmic pathology findings

Compare fixation, processing, and staining choices for CNS tissue including special stains and immunohistochemistry

Explain the principles of molecular testing in neuro-oncology and when each assay is indicated

Describe quality assurance practices for neuropathology sign-out and frozen section concordance

Summarize documentation and communication standards for critical diagnoses and consultations

Interpret the design and limitations of common study types in neuropathology research

Describe biospecimen banking, consent, and de-identification requirements for CNS tissue

Explain laboratory safety and regulatory requirements relevant to neuropathology specimens

Outline how to evaluate a new antibody or assay for validation before clinical use

Integrate domain content by working through mixed unknown slide and case scenarios under time pressure

Rehearse structured diagnostic reports for CNS, muscle, nerve, and eye specimens

Identify and remediate the three weakest subtopics from prior weeks

Build a spaced-repetition review schedule for the final month before the exam