The Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy has a history of strong commitment to the various missions of the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans– research, education and service. The department is actively involved in the teaching of many courses in the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Allied Health, Nursing and Graduate Studies. The research programs of the department have greatly expanded over the past several years through the hiring of faculty who have expertise in the areas of cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, electrophysiology and neurobiology. Within the department are several core equipment research facilities which support investigators within the department and the rest of the LSUHSC. Some of the current research programs among others within the department are: studies of receptor, channel, and membrane properties of neurons; cellular and behavioral function of the visual system; brain development and plasticity; developmental biology; and computer imaging technology used to study human embryonic development.