Indian Journal of Anatomy

The arteries of the human body show a large number of variations. In literature, many reports are available regarding variations of carotid arteries and their branches. Present paper describes a case of transposition of external and internal carotid arteries. Initially, the internal carotid artery was medial to external carotid artery at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, while ascending upward the internal carotid artery passes behind the external carotid arteryand ultimately entered the carotid canal. Such variations are important for surgeons and radiologist. 

Keywords: External Carotid Artery; Internalcarotid Artery; Transposition; Variation. 

Anatomy is the base of medical science in India and is taught practically to all disciplines of undergraduate health sciences in the first year. It is an acknowledged fact that a basic knowledge of Anatomy is a prerequisite to learn any other branch of medicine. All medical professionals must have a basic knowledge of Anatomy so as to ensure safe medical practice. Traditionally, Anatomy teaching consists of didactic lectures as well as dissections or prosections as per the requirement of the course. Lecture is defined as an oral discourse on a given subject before an audience for purpose of instruction and leaning. In the traditional method lectures were taken via chalk and board, but nowadays power point presentations are increasingly being used. To make Anatomy learning both pleasant and motivating, new methods of teaching gross anatomy are being assessed as medical colleges endeavour to find time in their curricula for new content without fore-going fundamental anatomical knowledge. This paper examines the other teaching methodologies for teaching gross anatomy.

Keywords: Anatomy; Medical Science; Undergraduate Students; Medical Professionals; Medical Practice; Traditional Methods & New Methods of Teaching. 

The thyroid gland is the first endocrine gland to develop in the embryo. Developmental anomalies of thyroid gland are quiet commonly seen. Most of the variations are due to the partial persistence of the median or thyroglossal duct. Persistence of pyramidal lobe, thyroglossal cysts, agenesis of the thyroid gland and aberrant thyroid are the major developmental anomalies of the thyroid gland. We conducted a study in about 40 formalin fixed cadavers to look for any morphological variations of thyroid gland including pyramidal lobe and levator glandular thyroidae. All the anomalies detected were documented and compared with previous studies. The complete knowledge about thyroid anatomy, its variation and its associated anomalies is very important for surgeons for surgical interventions. It is also important for physicians and radiologists so that these variations are not overlooked in the differential diagnosis.

Keywords: Thyroid Gland; Anatomy; Anomalies; Agenesis; Thyroid Cartilage; Surgeons. 

Aim: This study aimed to establish a relationship between placental thickness and biparietal diameter by real time ultrasound for estimation of gestational age of fetus. Materials and Methods: This  study  consists  of  100  pregnant  females, between  13th    to  39th   weeks gestation  with  their  age  ranging  from  18 -35 years,  attending   antenatal  clinic  at  the department  of  Obstetrics  and  gynecology, Pt..J.N.M. Medical College and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Hospital Raipur (C.G.) from October 2008 to august 2009.  Who were sure for the last menstrual period and fulfilling all criteria for selection of cases.USG was done for estimating   fetal age by biparietal diameter (BPD), and placental thickness (PT). BPD was measured from the outer surface of skull table of one side to the inner margin of skull table on opposite side.  PT  was  measured  perpendicular  to  the  basal  and  chorionic  plates, in the  mid  portion  of  the  placenta  at  the  level  of  insertion  of  umbilical  cord. Results: It was observed that the coefficient of correlation (r) between PT and BPD being at 26-30 weeks r = .988 ( p = .002), and at 31-35 weeks  r = .963 ( p = .009) which is statistically significant but at more than >35 weeks it become non significant. Conclusion: The study concluded a fairly linear relationship between PT and BPD and it provide accurate parameter for estimating fetal gestational age especially in the late mid trimester and early third trimester, where the exact duration of pregnancy is not known.

Keywords: Biparietal Diameter; Placental Thickness;  Fetal Growth; Gestational Age. 

 Background: The brachial artery lies immediately deep to the deep fascia. Various variations of the brachial artery and its branches are quoted in literature. Prior anatomical knowledge of such anomalies may be of great clinical significance. The present study concentrates on the morphological features of the brachial artery. Methodology: The study was done by the dissection method on 70 human brachial arteries from 35 embalmed human cadavers from various medical colleges in Maharashtra. Results: The brachial artery was found to be originating as the continuation of the axillary artery below the lower border of teres major. The mean length of the brachial artery on right side was 24.91±4.13 cm and on left side was 25.27±3.79 cm. On right side mean diameter of the brachial artery at origin was 0.54±0.06 cm and above termination was 0.50±0.06 cm and on left side mean diameter at origin was 0.52±0.05 cm and above termination was 0.49±0.06 cm. The level of termination of the brachial artery above the inter-condylar line was seen in 2 specimens (5.71%) on right side and in 1 specimen (2.85%) on left side and below the inter-condylar line in 33 specimens (94.28%) on right side and in 34 specimens (97.14%) on left side. The presence of the superficial brachial artery was most common variation found in the brachial artery (7.14%), next common variation was higher termination (4.28%). The accessory brachial artery seen in only 1 specimen (1.42%). Conclusion: Anatomical knowledge of brachial artery is important because it is commonly used for various surgical and interventional procedures.

Keywords: Axillary Artery; Accessory Brachial Artery; Brachial Artery; Higher Termination; Superficial Brachial Artery.

Some groups or communities believe that ‘We literally have a third eye, which connects us to spiritual dimensions and supernatural forces’ and it is claimed that the Pineal Gland (PG) is that third eye. Majority believes that PG is one of the endocrine glands in vertebrates and secretes mainly a hormone melatonin which regulates circadian rhythm or sleep cycle. In some lower vertebrates, PG has a well-developed eye like structure and in others if not organized as an eye, it functions like a light receptor. Neurobiological effects of meditation and mindfulness have been detected in the form of increased molecular levels of melatonin and dopamine. It is said that PG is relevant in medicine and healthcare for behavior change,  stress regulation and treatment of addictions.  Its deep location in brain suggested the philosophers throughout history that it possesses a particular importance. On the top of all, PG is also thought to secrete dimethyl tryptamine (DMT), a naturally occurring psychedelic compound called ‘The Spirit Molecule’ during dreaming, spiritual and mystical experiences and at the time of death. The role of  PG as an endocrine gland and its secretory activity is poorly understood. Pineal gland’s full purpose is still a bit of mystery and yet to be known but researchers suggest that we are getting closer to understanding PG and more about the entire endocrine system.

Keywords: Neurobiological Effects; Melatonin; Circadian Rhythm; Pineal;  Psychedelic. 

A study was undertaken in the male population of some north Indian districts to know the incidence of skeletal deformities. All the candidates presenting over a period of one and a half years for enrollment in the defence forces at a defence enrollment centre were subjected to medical examination. Persons who had or were suspected of having disabilities were referred to the concerned specialist for confirmation of the disability. All those persons whose disability was adjudged by the concerned specialist as being within permissible limits were taken as fit and the others whose disabilities were beyond permissible limits were taken as unfit. The results were compared with similar studies and discussed.

Keywords: Skeletal Deformity; Knock Knee; Flat Foot; Hammer Toes; Genu Valgus; Cubitus Varus. 

The growth of the human fetus is a complex process resulting in an increase in size over time, has been the subject of extensive study. Before the advent of ultrasound evaluation. Physician interested in the growth process of the fetus could only look at the infant at delivery and infer what had happened in utero. Based on these observations clinicians were able to categorize fetuses in very general terms on the basis of their age and size. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy the fetus has grown sufficiently in size so that extreme anatomic details is visualized. There are number of structures that can be identified and measured during this time, but the basic fetal measurement used to estimate age and weight with ultrasound are-Biparietal Diameter (BPD), Head circumference (HC). This study was performed in Department of Anatomy in close association with the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Pt. J. N. M. Medical College, Raipur, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Raipur (C.G.). The ultrasonographic examination comprised of recording of, Biparietal Diaeter (BPD), Head Circumference (HC). The fetal growth parameters i.e. BPD, HC, of every patient were measured serially using real time ultrasonographic examination. The mean of all measurement were tabulated, and were compared individually with western nomograms. The accuracy of the individual parameter for different weeks of gestation was noted. This accuracy indicated that, the correctly diagnosed gestational age by sonographic parameters are not equally homologous with known menstrual age. The comparisons concludes that, out of the mean value of all parameters, the minimum discrepancy was found in biparietal diameter, for the prediction of gestational age.

Keywords: Biparietal Diaeter (BPD); Head Circumference (HC); Ultrasonography. 

Epilepsy is a common worldwide health problem with several personal, familial and social impacts. It has a worldwide incidence of 0.3 to 0.5%.The cause of epilepsy is not known and 70% belonged to Idiopathic variety. Objective: This study examines the Palmar Main line terminations and position of ‘t’ triradius  among individuals with Primary epilepsy in comparison to the controls. Methods: The study included Sixty established cases of primary epilepsy in the age group 05-12yrs who were compared with 60 healthy children of the same age group. The palmar prints were taken  using Ink-pad method described by Commins and Midlo. Inverted T pad, ink slab made of plain glass, white paper and cyclostyling ink were used for obtaining prints. Various parameters for palm including termination of main lines (D,C,B and A) and position of T were studied. The results were compared with those of controls. Results and conclusion: The analysis of data showed a statistically significant difference in termination of A- line between patients controls (X2 = 6.66; d.f.2). The differences observed in D,C and B line terminations were statistically nonsignificant. No significant  difference was observed in number and position of ‘t’ (X2 = 1.83; d.f.2) . Very few studies using similar parameters are available now hence there is a need for a study with larger sample size for confirming the results.

Keywords: Epilepsy; Cryptogenic; Idiopathic Epilepsy; Palmar Main Line. 

 The right atrio-ventricular (tricuspid) valve is having three leaflets in majority of cases. However, in some cases it has shown only two leaflets or in few four leaflets. Accurate knowledge of morphometry and morphology is important in differentiating and treating various pathologies of the right atrio-ventricular (tricuspid) valve. Hence, the aim of the present study is to measure various dimensions of the right atrio-ventricular (tricuspid) valve and note any variations found. The dimensions were measured with the help of standard instruments. The data obtained was statistically analysed and compared with the available literature. The Mean results obtained were (in mm), circumference of right atrioventricular valve             annulus: - 10.2, width of anterior leaflet: - 4.9, width of posterior leaflet: - 3.8, width of septal leaflet: - 4.4, height of anterior leaflet: - 3.3, height of posterior leaflet: - 3.4, height of septal leaflet: - 4.8

Keywords: Atrioventricular; Morphometric; Tricuspid; Valve