Background: Medical education in India always relied on the traditional classroom method of teaching. The current COVID pandemic brought a situation where online classes have taken precedence over the traditional classroom teaching. Here we attempt to see from the students' perspective whether online classes can replace the traditional classroom teaching. Aims and objectives: We aimed to study the advantages and disadvantages of online learning. Materials and methods: Online live streamed classes using Free Conference Call app were held in the Department of Anatomy, AIIMS Raipur. Live streaming, pre-recorded lecture videos were supplemented by cadaveric dissection videos, assignments etc posted in Google Classroom. Feedback regarding the online classes were obtained from first year undergraduate medical students using Google Forms. Results: A total of 72 students responded to the survey. 57 students used mobile phones to access the classes. 10 students preferred the online classes with chalk and board lecture, 23 students preferred lecture with PowerPoint presentation while the rest preferred online classes with chalk and board lecture followed by PowerPoint presentation. Out of the total (n=72) respondents, majority of them experienced technical issues which hampered their online learning experience. Owing to this reason, 43 students showed preference for pre-recorded videos over online live classes. 41.7% of the students opined that online classes should be included as a part of MBBS anatomy curriculum. Conclusion: Online learning in the form of live classes and recorded videos can be included as a part of routine Anatomy curriculum but it can never be a substitute for interactive face to face classroom learning and practical session.

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A callus is a localized thickened part of skin occurring in regions of pressure like hands and feet. The following case report describes a case of callosity of right middle finger near the distal interphalangeal joint on the lateral aspect persisting from six years of age due to writing. This condition is otherwise called as a writer’s bump. Callosities are acquired, superficial, circumscribed yellow white flat thickened patches of hyper keratotic material. They occur in areas of skin exposed to rubbing and pressure. In this case it is due to pencil holding. Paring of the lesion may be done by a fully trained chiropodist. Laser treatment is also given nowadays. Callosities are commonly found in hands and feet in areas exposed to frictional forces .They may have a genetic basis too .In this case it is inherited as autosomal dominant trait from the father.

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Harlequin Ichthyosis(HI) is a type of genodermatosis. It is a rare and fatal genetic disease. Life expectancy in an affected infant is only a few days. The defect lies in mutation of ABCA12 gene. The barrier action of skin is severely compromised making the infant prone to infections and dehydration. Present treatment protocol consists mainly of conservative and supportive therapies. The authors report this case as it is a rare disease. The main purpose of this report is to create awareness about the disease and discuss the genetic factors along with micro anatomy of skin ultimately leading to this condition.

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The rotator cuff is the prime stabilizer of the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The last decade saw introduction of three components, namely, rotator cable, rotator crescent, and rotator interval of rotator cuff, which were being studied and published in dozen of literatures belonging to clinical specialties of orthopaedics and radiology. At times when these terms have helped the clinician to understand the biomechanics of the rotator cuff while improving the outcome of its repair, the knowledge of the same remains at large for the anatomists. The preoperative assessment of rotator cuff tear has helped surgeons to identify the structure and its functional deficits thereof. The rotator cable is a thick fibrous band that behaves like a suspension bridge. Tears of rotator cable result in partial loss of function or pseudoparalysis of shoulder joint. The rotator interval is a four-layered protective cover of ligaments and the capsule in the rotator cuff. The current knowledge of the rotator interval revealed that the minor underlying ligaments of the shoulder j’oint play a crucial role in maintaining the congruency of the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff inj’ury is often misdiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge and identification of its recently reported components. This review intends to sensitize the anatomists to investigate further about rotator cuff anatomy and biomechanics of the shoulder joint.

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Background: Major hurdle in teaching and understanding embryology is the lack of three-dimensional (3D) orientation. Thus, understanding of the embryology is left to the imagination of students which is highly subjective and associated with very short recall memory. The objectives of the present study was to compare two advanced teaching tools (animated videos and 3D embryology model construction using playdough) to teach general embryology and secondarily to elucidate the usefulness of playdough for model construction. Methods: Forty 1st-year medical students were divided into two groups (V and P) of twenty students each. General embryology was taught to Group V (Video) using 3D animated videos, whereas Group P (playdough) constructed 3D models using playdough. A prevalidated questionnaire containing twenty MCQs was administered on 0 day, 15th day, and 30th day for both the groups. Focus group discussions were conducted to know about the educational tool used for teaching. The same process was repeated after 3 months by crossing over of groups. Results: We observed a reduction of test scores over 1 month in both the groups, but reduction was less in Group P (playdough), indicating good recall memory. When crossing over was done, test scores were better for both the groups indicating the reinforcement by two teaching tools. Many students felt model construction using playdough was enjoyable and could remember things for a longer time. Conclusions: Thus, model construction promotes active learning and provides 3D orientation of various dynamic developmental changes of embryology with good recall memory. Playdough can be an excellent material for model construction.

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The human eye is one of the special sensory organs. Eyes undergo a series of changes right from infancy to attainment of adulthood. Major changes occur in globe dimensions, orbital and neurological structures. In order to have a sharp focus of the image on the retina, the intraocular structures undergo developmental changes in the 1^st year of life along with the neurological growth which enables processing of that retinal image. The extraocular growth of the bony orbit and adnexa accompanies intraocular growth. An ophthalmologist looking after the pediatric patient must be aware of these physiological changes so as to not diagnose them as any pathologic conditions. There are few diseases which can also interfere with these normal developmental changes. It is valuable to know the developmental process to diagnose children with eye disorders. This review article lays emphasis on the normal anatomical alterations in the globe, anterior segment, pupil, lens, retina, lacrimal apparatus, and external orbit of the human eye during infancy and early adulthood and also discussing its practical implications.

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Background and Aim: Medical institutes around the world are facing scarcity of cadavers for anatomy dissection and teaching purpose. The academic value of “hands-on experience” on human bodies remains the mainstay of medical education, especially in the foster years of the young student. Efforts are needed to improve the availability of human bodies for dissection. This can be achieved by encouraging the masses to donate their bodies for the same. Material and Methods: The authors conceived a full-fledged body donation awareness campaign starting from 2013, which is successfully continuing till date. The program included memorial services and honor ceremonies for the family members of the pledgers/donors. Considerate support was provided by many nongovernmental organizations as well as the administration of the institute in discussion. Observations: The efforts made by the department emerged as an extremely improved scenario in terms of availability of cadavers for anatomy teaching and interdepartmental activities. Till date, 1,106 people have pledged for donating their bodies to the institute and 85 actual donations occurred till 31 July 2019. The continuous efforts of all the stakeholders have significantly improved the cadaver availability in the department where the ratio of one human body to 10 students is being practiced. Conclusions: Further work is still needed to encourage more people toward this altruistic act. Further deliberations with religious and political leaders are underway to enhance the penetration of this message amongst the masses. Extensive publicity is being planned for the same, and the authors are hopeful of further promising results toward this cause.

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Background: There is an increased need for surgical skills training which does not involve patients in the first exposure. Clinicians and surgeons prefer honing their psychomotor skills on cadavers. Standard formalin embalming, however, does not provide a very realistic model, so an alternative approach needs to be sorted out in the form of soft-fixed embalmed cadavers to provide realistic model for such procedures. Aim: This study aimed to evolve new methods of soft embalming, which provide better cadavers for surgical training. Objectives: (1) To provide long-term structural preservation of tissues, viscera, and body and prevent fungal and bacterial growth. (2) To explore the use of glutaraldehyde solution for arterial embalming. (3) To obtain cadavers with soft consistency of muscle and tendon and maintain joint mobility. (4) To provide lifelike quality of soft-fixed cadavers for cadaveric surgical workshops. Materials and Methods: Only those bodies which were received within 12 h of death were used for soft embalming. The solution for soft embalming contained glutaraldehyde, glycerin, methanol, cetrimide, and eosin for arterial and formalin solution for cavity embalming. The cadavers were embalmed and then preserved in a deep freezer (−70°C to −80°C) for at least 30 days. After that, the cadavers were preserved in an immersion tank which contained 10% formalin diluted in water. Results: Soft-fixed embalmed cadavers were better for all aspects of training. Soft-fixed cadavers exhibited a greater degree of flexibility and color retention compared to that of traditional formalin-fixed cadavers. The preference was particularly pronounced in aspects that require flexibility of tissues such as for flap raising. Conclusions: Soft-embalmed cadavers provide a more realistic model for training of surgical skills.

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Background & Aims: The Lumbar plexus describes the origins of 4 of the nerves supplying the lower limb (femoral, lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh, obturator and genitofemoral) along with the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves. Aim of this study is to study the abnormalities in formation of lumbar plexus and communication between the branches of lumbar plexus and its clinical implication. Material & Method: This study was conducted on 100 cadavers (67 male and 33 female) with an age range of 50 - 90 years. Results: No abnormality was found related to roots and trunk. Post fixed lumbar plexus (bilateral) were found in 6 cadavers. Genital branch and femoral branch was found to arise separately from the root in 22 cadavers (bilaterally). Accessory lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was observed on both sides in 4 cadavers. Femoral nerve was found to arise from dorsal division of L3-4-5 in 8 cadavers (bilateral). Accessory obturator nerve was found bilaterally in 26 cadavers and it was arising from L3-4. Conclusion: Knowledge of variations in the formation and branching pattern of lumbar plexus is very important during lumbar plexus block for various surgical and palliative procedures.

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Background and Objectives: Tributaries of inferior vena cava (IVC) are not com pletely described. As IVC has a complex developmental origin, variations in the feeding vessels are common. The main objective of this study was to report the occurrence of any ventral tributary in the level 1 region of IVC. During the study, origin of such ventral tributary and course was also noted. Methodology: In a retrospective/prospective observational study from 2015 to 2018, comprising 168 para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PLA) procedures conducted at Department of Gynaecological Oncology, University Hospital of Ulm, Germany, the presence of ventral tributaries of IVC was evaluated. Results: Out of 148 retrospective cases of PLA, the presence of a prominent ventral tributary within 2 cm distance from the bifurcation of aorta was assumed in more than 60% cases. Within 20 prospectively assessed cases, the vein could be identified in 17 patients and was located within the right mesoureter. Only on one patient, this feeding vessel was draining into IVC at the level below the aortic bifurcation. Conclusion: In 85% of the prospectively assessed patients considered in the study, lymphadenectomy there was a constant ventral tributary feeding the IVC within 2 cm from the bifurcation of the aorta.

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The mental spines (superior and inferior), also called the genial tubercles, are located in the midline on the lingual surface of the mandible. Normally, the mental spine consists of a superior pair and an inferior pair of prominences and is of small size. The mental spine provides muscle attachments to the genioglossus muscle, which attaches to the superior pair, and to the geniohyoid muscle, which attaches to the inferior pair. Here, we report a case of the mandible with an elongated mental spine harvested from a 57-year-old Caucasian woman’s cadaveric head. The dimensions of the elongated mental spine are 10.00 mm (length) x 2.72 mm (width) x 8.55 mm (height). Elongated mental spines are rarely reported as they are usually asymptomatic. Practitioners who intend to perform any procedures in the sublingual and submental regions should be aware of such structural variation.

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The aim of the study was to find out the stature from bigonial diameter of Uttar Pradesh population and to compare our study with similar previous studies. Methods: This study was held on 300 medical students, including both males and females age between 18 and 25 years in the Anatomy Department, Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra. Anthropometric rod was used to measure stature and digital vernier caliper was used to measure bigonial diameter. Results: There is a moderate degree of positive correlation between stature and bigonial diameter. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.350 and P value calculated was <0.0001, which is statistically significant. Conclusion: We draw the inference from the present study that like other part of the human body, bigonial diameter can be utilized for the approximation of stature when facial remains are escorted for medicolegal assessment. In this study, regression equation was developed with good reliability and applicability and can be used in maxillofacial and facial reconstructive surgeries.

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Background: The placenta is an important organ that acts as a conduit for transporting substances from the mother to the fetus and vice versa. It performs many functions and is intimately related to both the mother and the fetus. Anemia is a leading disorder of pregnancy and is seen to effect >65% of pregnant women in India. It is also a known cause of intra-uterine growth retardation, preterm deliveries, low-birth-weight deliveries, etc. Objective: The aim is to study and compare the morphometric and histological changes seen in placentae from normal and anemic mothers. Methods: This study was done in the Department of Anatomy of Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. One hundred and fifty placentae were collected, 75 each from normal and anemic mothers. A thorough morphometric and histological study of the placentae was done, and the results were recorded. Results: It was observed that the mean weight, diameter, circumference, and chorionic plate area of the placentae from anemic mothers was significantly reduced in comparison to the controls. Histological study showed that there was a significant increase in pathological changes such as syncytial knots, fibrinoid necrosis, calcification, and medial coat proliferation of blood vessels in samples obtained from placentae of anemic mothers in comparison to the controls. Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that maternal anemia has significant consequences on the developing placenta. These morphometric and microscopic changes in placental structure can in turn reduce its function, thus having an adverse effect on fetal outcome.

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A female foetus of 3.23 kg was delivered by a primigravida of 23 years, after scanning by ultrasound, depicting findings of oligohydramnios and congenital abnormalities. The foetus showed bilateral Polydactyly (six digits) in both upper and lower limbs, polycystic enlarged bilateral kidneys, anencephaly, hypoplastic lung, small heart, deformed liver etc. The deformed foetus appeared to be the product of multifactorial inheritance disorders in sequential manner where survival of the foetus could not be possible beyond a period.

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Introduction: Many countries adopted remote teaching upon the declaration of COVID-19 pandemic. Like many universities around the world, Sultan Qaboos University in the Sultanate of Oman shifted to emergency remote teaching (ERT) to contain the spread of the virus. In addition, anatomy classes were shifted to be taught online completely. This study aimed to explore students' perspective about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on anatomy learning. Methodology: Students enrolled in anatomy courses during spring 2020 semester were asked to fill a questionnaire within 6 weeks of the end of online classes. The questionnaire included questions about students' perceptions and preferences about learning anatomy during ERT. Results: Findings indicated that coronavirus pandemic was disruptive to students' anatomy learning. Fulfilling courses requirements, home environment, internet connection, the anatomy knowledge without exposure to cadavers, and other resources in the lab were their main concerns. The reliability of internet connection was a major factor affecting their way of studying anatomy and selecting learning resources. Social media platforms were helpful in assisting students in their study and communication between themselves and their instructors. However, assessment and practical part teaching were not satisfactory to the students and they urge improvement. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic was disruptive to anatomy education. Internet connection was the major obstacles for the students, while the social media platforms were helpful tools in study and communication. Students urged improvement in the practical part teaching and assessment of the anatomy courses.

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Background: The arm bone is the largest and strongest bone of the superior extremity. Movement of the arm bone helps in essential activities like writing. lifting objects and throwing. Use of implants in communited cracks in the lower end of the humerus of an aged person may be needed to retain the mobility at the elbow joint. The present study was aimed at providing morphometry of the distal end of the arm bone for comparison with different populations. Materials and Methods: Eight morphometric parameters were evaluated from 200 dry adult humeral bones using the osteometric board and digital vernier calipers. Results: The average value of the maximal length of the arm bone in the present study was 306.3 ± 21.19 mm in the right humerus and 301.1 ± 22.4 mm in the left humerus. The transverse distance between the medial and lateral epicondyles was 57.4 ± 4.8 mm and 56.0 ± 4.7 mm in right and left humerus, respectively. The average distance between the capitulum and medial end of trochlea horizontally was 39.6 ± 3.4 and 39.5 ± 4.3 mm in right and left humerus, respectively. The average maximum transverse diameter of the trochlea was 24.4 ± 2.6 and 23.5 ± 2.6 mm in right and left humerus, respectively. The average anteroposterior diameter of the trochlea was 17.0 ± 3.9 and 16.3 ± 3.7 mm in right and left humerus, respectively. Conclusion: Eight morphometric parameters of 200 humeri presented. This information can be useful for surgeons in preparing implants and reconstruction of fractures of the distal end of the arm bone.

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Background: Graduate Medical Education Regulations 1997 and “Vision 2015” documents were the steps toward training a skilled and competent Indian Medical Graduate (IMG). To implement the changes in the curriculum and to achieve the IMG goal, a nation-wide faculty development program was started by the Medical Council of India in 2009. Even before the introduction of Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) in 2019, the Indian medical curriculum imbibed and trained the Graduates in competencies relevant for an IMG. This research was to attempt to understand the stakeholder perspective of the contribution of the curriculum in attaining the IMG roles prior to 2019. Methodology: The present multicentric study was carried out among 450 interns belonging to batch 2018 in the state of Maharashtra. A self-administrated, online, structured questionnaire containing 27 items based on IMG roles was used as the study instrument. Descriptive analysis was performed to arrive at the perception of stakeholders. Results: Analysis of self-rating of the competency for IMG roles showed a 30.7% for the “leader and as a team member role”. A detailed analysis noted that the majority of the participants lacked confidence in the role of the “medical expert.” Competency in the psychomotor domain gained maximum self-rating in comparison to the affective domain. The overall rating about their undergraduate training toward five IMG roles had an unsatisfactory score of 56.3% for the “lifelong learner” role. Conclusion: The study highlighted the stakeholder perspective about curriculum equipping them in developing “leader and a team member” while failing with “lifelong learner” IMG role. The study also emphasized that the attitudinal domain needs addressing by the CBME curriculum.

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Background and aim: Assessment of normal dimension of cerebral ventricles is important for early detection of changes due to intrinsic and extrinsic pathology producing ventriculomegaly. Hence normal upper and lower limits of the cerebral ventricular system in various age groups and in both sexes are important for diagnosing it. Our aim is to establish a baseline reference value for the third and fourth ventricular width using Computed Tomogram [CT] for normal South Indian population. Materials and methods: 100 subjects aged between 5 to 90 years, comprising of 54 males and 46 females, with normal CT brain were analyzed. Subjects with intracranial and intraventricular pathology were excluded. Axial CT brain was obtained in Siemens Somatom scope multislice slice CT scanner. The widest diameter of the third and fourth ventricles on axial images using linear approach was measured. Student's t test and one way analysis of variance was used. Results: Mean third ventricle size in male: 5.11 +/- 2.37 mm and in female: 4.35 +/- 2.08 mm. Mean fourth ventricle size in male: 13.40 +/- 1.66 mm and in female: 12.84 +/- 1.85 mm. Conclusion: The highest of the dimension in the third ventricle occurs in the highest age group of >60 years in both males and females. There was a steady rise in the third ventricle size across age groups until the seventh decade.

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Background: Cases of nerve entrapment are commonly seen in medical practice. The flexor pollicis longus muscle of the front of the forearm sometimes may have an accessory head. The accessory head of flexor pollicis longus muscle (AHFPL) may compress the anterior interosseus nerve (AIN) to cause weakness of the deep muscles of the front of the forearm. The aim of the present study is to find the incidence of AHFPL and to identify its structural relationships to the median nerve and AIN. Methods: A total of sixty upper limbs of thirty embalmed cadavers were dissected and studied for the presence of AHFPL. Parameters studied were incidence of AHFPL, whether it is bilateral or unilateral, its origin and insertion, and its relationship with AIN. Results: AHFPL was found in 16 cadavers (53%). In 7 out of the 16 cadavers (43.75%), AHFPL was bilateral and in 9 out of 16 cadavers (56.25%), AHFPL was unilateral. AIN was located below the AHFPL in 14 cadavers and in 2 cadavers, it was passing above the AHFPL. The nerve supply of AHFPL was through AIN in the 16 cadavers. Conclusion: Knowledge of AHFPL and its relations with AIN may help medical professionals in diagnosis and treatment as this anatomical variation can lead to compression neuropathy.

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