This before-and-after type of educational intervention study was conducted in a municipal medical college in Maharashtra, India. The participants (60 first-year MBBS students, aged 18 years and above, of either gender) were briefed about peer-assisted learning. After a faculty-delivered conventional lecture, a pre-test was administered. The same topic was taught to the same batch by a trained peer teacher in the presence of faculty members. Subsequently, a post-test was administered. The questions in the post-test were identical to that in the pre-test. The mean marks (out of 60) of students increased from 42.9 +/- 5.98 to 47.16 +/- 5.60, exhibiting significant difference (p<0.00001) in the overall pre-and post-test scores. The mean marks of female students (n=30) were 43.87 +/- 6.46 and 48.07 +/- 5.13, in the preand post-tests, respectively, exhibiting a significant difference (p=0.0053). The mean marks of male students (n=30) also showed significant difference (p= 0.0070) in the pre-test (42.50 +/- 5.84) and post-test (46.57 +/- 5.86). The gender differences in the mean scores were not statistically significant in the pre-test (p=0.3886) and the post-test (p=0.2914). Formal use of peer-assisted learning in institutions would ensure collaborative learning that can be juxtaposed with conventional learning.

Anatomy and Physiology taught in 1st MBBS, form the basic foundation to learn the art of medicine. The teaching learning methods followed in the present curriculum can be best judged by the feedback from the students. Good feedback is the key to improvement. 93 medical students (46 boys, 47 girls) participated in the study after taking an informed consent. A self developed questionnaire based on the previous studies and validated by experts was circulated. They were asked to fill it appropriately and to give their suggestions, if any. Questions were asked on teaching methods, teaching aids, timings regarding duration of theory class, dissection, duration of 1st MBBS course, teacher’s qualities and question paper pattern. Questionnaire with a 5 point Likert scale was given which included interest to do dissection, advantages of dissection and replacement for dissection. The results were motivational as most of the students opted small group teaching as the best teaching method. A combination of the audio visual aids were preferred to single. Majority of the students selected 40 min duration for theory class and dissection timings from 9-11am. Large group of students were not interested in the study hours after the college hours. Many students preferred the option “ability to teach” for the teacher’s qualities, though few opted for “personality of the teacher”. Most of them preferred 1 essay+ 6shorts+5 very shorts pattern of question paper in their final examinations. Except 2, remaining students were interested to do cadaveric dissection which is an encouraging sign. Many students agreed for advantages of cadaveric dissection. On the other hand, many disagreed for the dissection to be replaced by prosections or anatomage or 3d models. To conclude, students’ feedback is encouraging for the small group teaching using a combination of audio visual aids. They preferred to learn the art of medicine through cadaveric dissection rather than replacing it with artificial methods.

Transseptal access from right atrium to left atrium through the fossa ovalis using transseptal puncture and patent fossa ovalis repair are widely used cardiac techniques. These techniques require through knowledge of the cardiac anatomy especially of the fossa ovalis .Evaluation of the various morphological parameters of the fossa ovalis forms an important prerequisite before undertaking any surgical procedure in this region. This study was conducted on 60 cadaveric hearts from the department of Anatomy, Government medical college, Nagpur. The right atrium was opened and the fossa ovalis was studied for its shape, size, floor and the prominence and extent of the limbus fossa ovalis was noted. The fossa ovalis was observed for the presence of any patent foramen ovale or probe patency. In majority of the cases the shape of fossa ovalis was found to be oval 66.7% cases, the average craniocaudal diameter was found to be 15.03mm, and average anteroposterior diameter was found to be 14.44mm. Limbus fossa ovalis was found to be raised in 83.33% cases and flat in 16.66% cases. Probe patency of foramen ovale was found in 15% cases but no case of patent foramen ovale was found. The floor of fossa ovalis was found to be flat in 65% cases and aneurysmal in 35% cases. In 10% cases membranous structure with multiple fenestrations or fine strand like structures were seen attached to the lower part of fossa ovalis. The findings of the present work are of immense value to interventionists and cardiologists

Coronoid process is a triangular plate of bone seen in the upper part of ramus of the mandible. It shows variations in the shape due to the differences in the attachment of two important muscles of mastication- masseter and temporalis. The changes in the shape helps in identification of race and to surgeons during operative procedures. The aim of the present study is to observe the changes in the shape and to compare with other studies. 121 sides of the mandibles were studied and the results were represented graphically. A unique quadrilateral shape of the coronoid process was detected for a mandible unilaterally. The most common shape was triangular (43.80%) followed by rounded (38.84%) and hooked (16.52%) in that order. The values correlated with other studies on comparison as p value calculated was significant statistically.

Introduction: The styloid process is a cylindrical bony projection extending from petrous part of temporal bone. It lies in front of the stylomastoid foramen and projects downwards, forwards, and slightly towards the medial side. Many important neurovascular structures are adjacent to it. Due to morphological variations of styloid process these structures may be compressed. Abnormal elongation of styloid process may pose threat to anaesthetist while performing intubation. Methods: Study was carried out on 100 (65 males, 35 females) adult dry skulls. The measurements taken ie. styloid process length, and interstyloid distance of the skull between the tip and base. All the parameters were measured using a digital Vernier caliper in millimetres on both the sides. Results: We found mean length of styloid process in males on right side 22.70 mm and on left 22.16 mm. In females, it was 22.30 mm on right and 21.28 mm on left side. The interstyloid distances of skull at the base and the tip of the styloid processes were noted. The mean distances at the base and the tip were 75.26 ± 0.3752 mm and 69.14 ± 0.3493 mm respectively in male, those in female were 72.15 ± 0.6525 mm and 67.00 ± 0.5043 mm respectively. The differences between male and female were statistically significant at the base (P<0.05) and at the tip (P<0.05). Although no statistically significant difference was found in length of styloid process between males and females. The occurrence of elongated styloid process was not associated with the gender. By this study it can be said that the styloid process can be utilised for the sex identification by measuring the interstyloid distance at the base or the tip of these processes. Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that the styloid process can be utilised for sex identification by measuring the interstyloid distance at both the base and the tip of these processes. Neurovascular structures which lie within the territory of styloid process may be compressed due to its anatomical variation. This data may be useful for clinicians, surgeons, radiologists, anaesthetists and anatomists as an academic interest.

The profunda femoris artery is very important branch of femoral artery supplying the thigh. One of its important branches is medial circumflex femoral artery. Knowledge about variation in its origin is important for the surgeons and radiologists. The present study was conducted in 50 embalmed cadavers in the department of Anatomy, Stanley Medical College. The medial circumflex femoral arteries were seen originating from profunda femoris artery in 84 %. In 16% medial circumflex femoral arteries were seen originating from the femoral artery at the same level of profunda femoris artery.

Introduction: Variation in posterior arch of atlas are very rare. Variation is due to developmental anomaly, its detection is icidentaly while investigation for head and neck region. Our aim is determine the variation in posterior arch of atlas. Materials and methods: 50 dried atlases of unknown sex used for the study from department of Anatomy of medical college of Gujarat. Results and observation: 3 atlases showed absence of median part of posterior arch out of 50 vertebrae. Conclusion: Such variations must be noted by surgeons and radiologist.

Background: Hemoglobinopathies including Thalassemia with an estimated 10,000 live births each year and Sickle cell disease (SCD) with an estimated 5,200 live births each year, are a major public health problem in India specially in scheduled tribes, who have a high prevalence of socio-economic disadvantage and are frequently medically underserved [1]. In Bastar, the land of tribes as about 70% of population comprises of tribals, which is 26.76% of the total tribal population of Chhattisgarh [2]. Hence this work was an attempt to compare anthropometrically between Sickling and Non-Sickling individuals of tribal population of Bastar Division, Chhattisgarh. Aims & Objectives: To compare anthropometrically between sickling and non-sickling individuals of tribal population of Bastar division, Chhattisgarh. Material and methods: An observational case-control study of 138 sickle cell disease patients with electrophoresis/sickle solubility test positive, aged 5yrs to 30yrs and 138 sickle solubility negative age and sex matched controls was done. Anthropometrical parameters like height, weight, upper and lower limb lengths were statistically compared. Results: In males, in the age group of 5-14yrs, the parameters that were statistically significant were of axial skeleton and limb lengths. This suggests that it is the most vulnerable group. In the age group of 20-30yrs the parameters that were statistically significant were hemoglobin concentration (p<0.0001), weight (p=0.004), maximum calf circumference (p=0.02) and BMI (p=0.02). In females, statistically significant difference for hemoglobin concentration between the cases and controls in all three age groups was seen i.e.,5-14yrs(p=0.05), 15-19yrs(0.001), 20-30yrs (p<0.0001) and in the age group of 15-20yrs, t-test for weight between cases and controls in female group showed significant difference (p= 0.01). Conclusions: From the above results and low SES, it may be stated that the poor growth status of the cases may be due to the SCD and poor socio-economic conditions.

Introduction: Fusion of the vertebrae known as vertebral synostosis or vertebral block. It is a interest of the anatomist but also to surgeons, neurologist, orthopedician, radiologist, anaesthetics and for forensic medicine also. Any defect in the development causes anomalies and neurological sign and symptoms. Various vertebral anomalies have been reported by different authors such as Sacralisation, Lumbarisation, Occipitalisation, absence of posterior elements of vertebral arch and vertebral synostosis. Methods: The present study was conducted on 400 dry adult human vertebrae of unknown age & sex obtained from department of Anatomy of medical college of Gujarat. Result: Fusion of the first right rib with the first thoracic vertebrae. Axis vertebrae fuse with the third cervical vertebrae. Five Thoracic vertebrae in one thoracic spines,were fuseb along with one right rib and four left rib fused with thoracic vertebrae. Two typical thoracic vertebrae fuse in one thoracic spine. Seven vertebrae fuse with each other, lower thoracic and upper lumber vertebrae fuse with each other. Twelth rib fuse with the twelth thoracic vertebrae in one spine. Sacralisation of L5was observed in one spine. Conclusions: Knowledge about any deviation from the normal anatomy of vertebral column can lead to major or minor complications affecting the different system of the body. Fused vertebrae limit movements and cause signs of nerve or spinal cord compression. This variation must be noted by surgeons, neurologist, orthopedician, radiologist, anaesthetics.

Cleft lip and cleft palate are common congenital craniofacial anomalies ranging between 1:600 and 1:1000 live births respectively. It is a birth defect that occurs due to arrest of development or failure of fusion of components taking part in the formation of face and palate. Most clefts of the lip and palate result from multiple factors, which includes genetic and non-genetic causes. Studies of twins and familial incidence indicate the importance genetic factors. The aim of this chromosomal study is to determine the types of chromosomal abnormalities that play a major role in the causation of cleft lip and cleft palate and also in subsequent management and carrier detection. The early investigation to detect genetic abnormality gives better understanding about prognosis of the disease for timely intervention and management and also risks involved in transmission of abnormality to subsequent generations. For present study 25 clinically diagnosed cases of cleft lip and cleft palate were selected and their karyotypes were prepared and studied for chromosomal abnormalities.The numerical chromosomal abnormality was found in the form of Trisomy 21 of Down’s syndrome in 1 (4%) case and 19 (76%) cases had normal karyotypes and in 5 (20%) cases metaphase were not detected. It was also found that 6 (24%) cases had associated congenital heart disease and 1 (4%) case was of Down’s syndrome with Congenital Heart defects.The karyotype study in cases of cleft lip and cleft palate helps to confirm the diagnosis, to predict severity of the condition and to counsel the families for the recurrence risk with greater accuracy.

The liver is the largest abdominal visceral organ, occupying a substantial portion of the upper abdominal cavity. The liver has four lobes, Caudate lobe is a separate and distinct liver lobe. It is located on liver at the posterior surface. The caudate lobe has two portions joined by a narrow parenchymal bridge that is called the caudate isthmus. Caudate lobe also has its separate blood supply and biliary drainage. The complexity of liver function and its importance in body homeostasis has encouraged this study of morphology and variations of caudate lobe to better the diagnosis and analysis of clinicopathological conditions. For present study 100 cadaveric livers were obtained. Caudate lobe was studied on various parameters such as shape, size and dimensions. Various measurements were taken and data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and relational statistics. ‘Z’ test was computed to find out the association between the parameters of the present study and the studies of similar background. It was found that majority of the caudate lobes in all livers are rectangular 67 (67%) in shape followed by pyriform 21 (21%) and irregular 12 (12%) shaped. The average transverse diameter of caudate was measured 28.69 ± 7.73.The average longitudinal diameter of caudate lobe was measured 54.67 ± 10.73. A sound knowledge of the normal and variant liver anatomy is a prerequisite to having a favorable surgical outcome and commonly occurring variations assumes even more significance in the era of diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive surgical approaches.

Background: Obesity affects life span of an individual by increasing morbidity and mortality. Obese individuals usually affected by lipid abnormalities which serve as risk factors for complications like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus etc. The study aimed to evaluate lipid profile and blood pressure in obese and non-obese. Materials and Methods: Study was carried out at Department of Medicine, GG Hospital, Jamnagar over a period of one year. Total 105 subjects were enrolled in this cross sectional study after informed consent. Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure were recorded by standard protocol. Based on BMI, subjects were divided into three groups: Group I - Normal weight (18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2) , Group II - Overweight (25 to 29.9 kg/m2) Group III - Obese (more than 30 kg/m2). Overnight fasting blood samples were collected and were analyzed for parameters like serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum HDL, serum LDL & serum VLDL. Results: Blood pressure was elevated in Gr-III as compared to Gr-I+II (p<0.001). Serum Cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL were elevated in Gr-III as compared to Gr-I+II (p<0.001). HDL was decreased in Gr-III compared Gr-I+II (P<0.001). Conclusion: Obese subjects showed lipid abnormalities like elevated Cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL levels and decreased HDL level. Elevated blood pressure is also associated with Obesity.

Coeliac artery anatomy has an implication on diseases, thus a grasp of the variations in the branching pattern plays the role in the assessment of the patient. This work is undertaken to study the anatomical features of coeliac trunk like length, branching pattern and it’s anatomical variations in Rayalaseema zone of Andhra Pradesh in view of great medical and surgical importance of it. The study was conducted in the department of Anatomy of Kurnool Medical college and hospital, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Of the 50 specimens, manual dissection was done in 22 dissection hall cadavers and manual dissection was done in the 28 post mortem specimens regarding the origin of the coeliac trunk and its arteries. The various patterns were normal hepatolienogastric trunk in 92%, lienogastric trunk in 2%, hepatolienomesenteric trunk in 2%, coeliaco-colic trunk in 2%. 96% of specimens had complete coeliac trunk and 4% had incomplete coeliac trunk. Tripod was seen in 38% of the specimens. The supernumery branches were observed from coeliac trunk were inferior phrenic artery in 32%, dorsal pancreatic artery in 12%, superior mesenteric artery in 2% and middle colic artery in 2%. Knowledge of such variations in branching pattern of the celiac trunk is essential for liver and pancreas transplantations, pancreaticoduodenectomy, radiological abdominal interventions, laproscopic surgeries, and in trauma of the abdomen.

Background: morphometric analysis of the thyroid gland alters with age, sex, race, and geographical location. The Ellipsoid method also has accuracy in evaluation of thyroid volume. Aim: to study the morphometric analysis of thyroid gland and its volume by ellipsoid method. Materials and Methods: 30 (Male-23; Female-7) cadavers with age range 55- 60 years were utilized from the Department of Anatomy, Santhiram Medical College, Nandyal to study the morphometric parameters of adult thyroid glands. The morphometric parameters like length, width, thickness and weight of the glands were measured and recorded. The volume of the thyroid gland calculated by the ellipsoid method by using morphometric parameters. The formula for evaluation of thyroid volume by ellipsoid method (π / 6 x Length x Width x Thickness) of the thyroid gland. Results: The weight of the thyroid glands was 14.02+ 0.51gms in males and 13.94+ 0.55gms in females. The average weight of the male thyroid glands was more compared to female thyroid glands in the present study. The length of the thyroid glands was 4.20+ 0.19 cm in males and 3.95+ 0.15cm in females. The width of the thyroid glands was 6.2+0.12cm in males and 6.11+ 0.14cm in females. The thickness of the thyroid glands was 1.43+ 0.07cm in males and 1.40+ 0.05cm in females. The Thyroid volume was 17.95+1.45 ml (CF: 0.479); 19.59+1.53 ml (CF: 0.524) by ellipsoid method. Male thyroid volume was more compared to the female thyroid volume in the present study. Conclusion: The ellipsoid method of evaluation of thyroid volume to be further correlated with fluid displacement method in understanding morpmetric analysis of the thyroid gland.