Indian Journal of Anatomy

Background: Development of human kidney runs through a series of continual and mutually dependentchanges during which kidney obtains its morphological and functional maturity. The evaluation of fetalmorphometrical growth parameters have been subject of increased awareness for theassessment of fetal growth and development and prenatal diagnosis of renal anomalies,geneticcounseling andtreatment of prenatal renal disorders like Wilm’stumor, multicystic renal dysplasia, hydronephrosis. Materials and Methods: This work was conducted in different medical institutions in south India. A total of 50 dead fetuses of both sexes in which 20 female and 30 male collected from places with relevant clinical history were utilized for the present study. Results: The collected fetal kidneys were observed for their weight, height, thickness and width. The results were analyzed according to gestational age and recorded in separate classified tables. Conclusion: The knowledge about fetal kidney morphometry according to their gestational age may be helpful in understanding different congenital and malformations of kidney.

Background: The largest articulation in the body is the knee joint. Shallow concave surface of the tibia lodges the condyles of femur in unequal manner. Semilunar cartilages called menisci lie in knee joint attached firmly to the intercondylar area of tibia. The menisci are liable to injury resulting from twisting strains applied to flexed weight bearing knee. The mean annual incidence of meniscal tears is about 60-70 per 100,000 with a male to female ratio ranging from 2.5:1 to 4:1. This study gives morphometric data for preparing meniscal allograft for people of this region so that accurate matching can be done in meniscal transplantation. Objective: To analyze peripheral and inner border lengths, thickness, width, distance between anterior and posterior horns of adult lateral menisci of right and left knee joints and to compare with that of meniscal parameters available in the literature. Material and Methods: For this study, 60 lateral menisci from 60 adult human knees available in the Department of Anatomy were studied and analyzed. Results: Paired t-test with p<0.05 significance was applied for values expressed as Mean±SD, all the parameters of left sided lateral menisci were higher but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study is useful for the health professionals who work with treatment of meniscal injuries to create an awareness of the anatomical variations that may exist in the menisci facilitating the rehabilitation process.

Introduction: Coronoid process is a beak like projection flattened from side to side at the antero-superior aspect of the ramus. This process gives attachment to two important muscles of mastication –Temporalis muscle attached to apex, whole of the medial surface and anterior part of lateral surface of the coronoid process. Material and Method: coronoid process of 110 mandibles was observed on both sides for its shape. The length of the coronoid process was taken from the line tangential to the deepest part of mandibular notch to the apex. Result: Rounded type of coronoid process was found in 94 (42.73%), triangular in 74 (33.63%) and hook shape in 52 (23.64%). 74.55% mandibles were showing bilateral symmetry and only 25.45% of mandibles were showing difference in the shapes in both sides. Rounded type more prevalent in females (45%) than males (41.43%), whereas hook shape more prevalent in females (25%) than males (22.86%) and triangular more prevalent in males (35.71%) than females (30%). Mean and SD for length of coronoid process was calculated. Conclusion: The knowledge of variation in the shape of coronoid process is important for maxillofacial surgeons for the reconstructive surgeries.

Introduction: Gall bladder is flask shaped and usually lies attached to the inferior surface of the right lobe of the liver by connective tissue. It lies in a shallow fossa in the liver parenchyma covered by peritoneum continued from the liver surface. Cholecystectomy is the single most common intra abdominal operative procedure and it is estimated that about 450,000 cholecystectomies were performed annually. Murphy’s sign is elicitation of tenderness where the right lateral plane touches the 9th costal cartilage and the fundus of the gall bladder usually felt at this level. Hence the present study aims to find out the variations in the position of fundus of gall bladder. Methods: 87 liver specimens were made use for the study. The relationship of the fundus of the gall bladder to the inferior margin of the liver, congenital anomalies and peritoneal relations of the gall bladder was studied. Results: The relationship of the fundus of the gall bladder to the inferior margin of the liver had been classified into supramarginal, marginal, inframarginal and their percentages are 28.69%, 20.33% & 33.89% respectively. The folded fundus of the gall bladder was seen in 5 of 57 specimens. Congenital absence of gall bladder was observed in two liver specimens forming 1.75% of 57 specimens. Section of the liver was made to see the presence of intrahepatic gall bladder there was no gall bladder. Bits of liver tissue were sent for histopathological study and the tissue showed biliary cirrhosis. Conclusion: The occurrence of congenital anomalies and anatomical variations of gall bladder are not common but can be of clinical importance. The growing importance of such variations, lie not only from the point of biliary disease but also with respect to the various invasive techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of gall bladder.

The foramen magnum is a large opening in the occipital bone of the cranium. Diameters of foramen magnum are important because vital structures passing through it and for sex determination of skulls. The dimensions of the foramen magnum are clinically important because vital structures passing through it may endure compression such as in cases of foramen magnum herniation, foramen magnum meningiomas and foramen magnum achondroplasia. The knowledge of foramen magnum diameters is needed to determine some malformations such as Arnold Chiari syndrome, which shows expansion of transverse diameter.

There is a concerned growing need to increase agricultural products to meet up with growing world consumption using chemicals. Glyphosate (an herbicide) falls into the group of chemicals with perceived infertility. This study investigated the distinguishing features of glyphosate on the behaviour, body, testis and epididymis of Wistar rats. Fifteen adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups. Rats in group A (control) received water; group B (low dose) and group C (high dose) received 400mg and 2000mg of glyphosate/kg body weight/day respectively. Experimental period lasted 60days before sacrificing. Excised testes and epididymis were fixed in Bouin’s fluid; and subjected to histological and morphometric analyses. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (version 21) was employed for analysis of collated data. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Varying degrees of physical changes in groups B and C rats were observed. Those in group C further suffered weight loss, shedding of furs, agitation and loose stools. Glyphosate showed decreasing number of spermatozoa within the reproductive system of groups B and C rats. Dosedependent toxic effects of glyphosate on the testes and epididymides with subfertility was established probably as illustrated on the histology. Glyphosate appeared to have penetrated blood brain barrier with resultant behavioural changes among treated rats. Anti-fertility effect of glyphosate was linked to great reduction of spermatozoa density and disruption of histological characteristics of male reproductive tract. Nevertheless, the use of glyphosate should be genuinely guided or discouraged as applied in some developed countries.

Introduction: Height is one of the important factor serving as a parameter for personal identification. In natural calamities or mass explosions or fights where body parts are available it becomes important to know factors which can help in the identification of the individuals. There are several factors like race, ethnicity, nutritional status that influence the growth and development of the individual so there should be different methods and ways to be applied for identification for different population [1]. When only the segments of the bodies are available to determine the height from them becomes important to a forensic personal for identification and analysis. So estimating the height of the individual from the different body remains is utmost important as it provides this forensic anthropological value [2,3]. In this study the correlation of the height with hand length is done in thestudents and some volunteers in Kerala in the age group of 18 to 25. Aim: To study the correlation between hand length and height and to derive the equation for calculating the height from the hand length. Methodology: The study was conducted by taking 133 comprising of 73 girls and 60 boys ranging in the age group of 18-25 years. The medical students of first year and second year M.B.B.S were selected for the study. The subjects who were apparently normal with no obvious musculoskeletal deformities were included in the study. The height and hand length measurements were taken. The parameters were then analyzed and correlation study was done and statistical significance was studied. The regression equation is calculated for the height. Results: The study showed that was significant correlation between right hand length and height. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used and it showed a positive correlation between hand length and height. Regression equation was derived using S.P.S.S. software to calculate the height of the individual from hand length Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between hand length and height. It is sought as the height and hand length is directly proportional. The height is nearly nine times the length of the hand.

Aim: To study the incidence, embryological basis and clinical implications of unusual but most common anatomical variant, axillary arch. Materials & Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, Shimoga during routine cadaveric dissection on 60 upper limbs. Results: Of the 60 upper limbs dissected, Axillary arch was seen in one right upper limb. It was extending between latissimus dorsi and fascia covering the subscapularis muscle after crossing the posterior cord of brachial plexus and circumflex scapular vessels. It was supplied by a branch from the thoracodorsal nerve. Conclusion: The presence of an axillary arch needs to be considered in differential diagnosis of axillary swellings and also in surgeries of shoulder region. Therefore it is mandatory to know the variant slips of the musculotendinous arch.

Background: The apical epithelial surfaces of mammalian respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts are coated by mucus, a mixture of water, ions, glycoproteins, proteins, and lipids. Mucins are mainly of two typesNeutral and Acidic. Objectives: To know the mucin distribution of the breast in malignant lesions. Methodology: This is a retrospective, observational , analytical, case control study aimed to evaluate mucinshisto-chemical pattern in malignant breast. Twenty five histologically proven malignant human breast tissue were taken. Tissue sections were stained by Mayer’s Haematoxylin and Eosin, PAS, PAS-diastase, Phenylhydrazine-PAS, Alcian blue 2.5, Alcian Blue 1, combined alcian blue-PAS, Aldehyde Fuschin and combined aldehyde fuchsin-alcian blue techniques. Results: Results were tabulated according to color intensity into different grades ranging from + to ++++. Regarding mucin histochemistry of malignant breast - ”sialomucins” were seen predominant than neutral and sulphomucins. Conclusion: Mucin histochemical patterns have valuable, cost-effective, and important role where a slight change in the mucin pattern may help in the early diagnosis of the disease process. Mucin histochemistry may provide a valuable and cost-effective tool for the diagnostic histopathology and for the researchers in histology.

Introduction: The present study attempted to find out the histological changes of liver during its development in human fetuses. Methods: Liver from 10th–40th GW fetuses were studied after staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Masson’s Trichrome stains. Results: The liver from 10th week onwards to term consists of two different cellular elements, larger cells with pale staining centrally located nuclei, hepatocytes and dark staining smaller cells with dark rounded nuclei, the haemopoietic cells. The haemopoietic cells occupy larger area from 10th week onwards till 22nd week when both the elements are equal in quantity, after that hepatocytes quantity increases gradually and the haemopoietic cells decreases in amount and at term only little haemopoietic cells remains. Sinusoids are irregular and having wide lumen from 10th to 18th week, after that the lumen become narrow and regular. Within the sinusoids lies the haemopoietic cells and all the sinusoids are lined by fenestrated endothelium. Hepatic lobules become apparent after 22nd week and kupffer cells appear after 25th week. Bile duct, hepatic artery and portal vein all identified from 14th week onwards till term. Discussion: During early development, liver was composed of collagen fibers with fibroblast cells, hepatocytes and bigger haemopoietic cells. Haemopoietic cells could be detected till 36th GW fetuses. Even though immature RBCs and haemopoietic stem cells were detected, hemopoiesis in the liver along with it hepatocytes could be ascertained in the present study.

Introduction: Arthritis and injuries of a knee joint is a common problem encountered during the old age which requires total knee replacements and Unicompartmental kn ee arthroplasty. Morphometric parameters of condyles of the tibia can be useful for the treatment and monitor the outcome of these surgeries by selecting specific knee prosthesis for that particular population. Aims: To measure the various parameters of the proximal end of the tibia in Wayanad population. Methods: In the present study, sixty-eight (30-right and 38-left) adult fully ossified tibia were taken and various parameters of the upper end of the tibia were measured using Vernier caliper. Statistical analysis of this data was done using SPSS software version 16. Results: The present study was done on both left and right tibia. The following data was obtained. On Left side: Mean ±SD of circumference -18.59±1.7cm, Surface area of medial condyle-13.23±2.53cm2, Surface area of lateral condyle- 12.19±2.56cm2 and Intercondylar surface area- 4.93±1.16 cm2. On Right side: Mean ±SD of circumference-18.5± 1.3cm, Surface area of medial condyle-12.85±2.44 cm2, Surface area of lateral condyle-12.06±2.46cm2 and Intercondylar surface area-5.06±0.81cm2 Conclusion: Knowledge about the dimensions of the upper end of the tibia will be helpful for anatomists, anthropologists, and Orthopedicians in cases of knee arthroplasty procedures, Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, and meniscal transplantation.

Aims: To predict the stature using the facial height by regression analysis. Methods and Material: The subject’s Stature was measured by a stadiometer and the facial height by a vernier calliper in 150 medical students. Statistical Analysis used: The data was analyzed statistically by regression analysis. Results: Based on the linear regression analysis, stature would increase by 7.09 cm and 7.07cm for each cm increase in facial height in males and females respectively (P < 0.001). Mean stature was 167.54±9.59 cm and mean facial height was 10.77±0.76 cm. The P value was less than 0.001. This shows a significant positive correlation between stature and facial height. Conclusions: Estimation of stature from facial height could be performed where only unknown head and face are brought for anthropometric examinations.

Keywords: Stature; Facial Height; Regression.

Context: Sacrum shows sexual diamorphism and hence functionally influences the pelvis. Sexual diamorphism is also influenced by the interaction between the environmental and genetic factors. Based on various sacral indices gender discrimination of the skeletal material can be done to establish the identity of the individual. Aims: To study various sacral indices in sexual dimorphism in the region of Gujarat and compare it with other studies. Settings and Design: Various sacral dimensions of dry scara were measured with the help of vernier calliper and flexible tape. Various sacral indices were calculated and statistically analysed. Methods and Material: The study was conducted on 110 adult sacra dry bone of known sex (62male and 48 female) obtained from the department Anatomy, GMC Surat, SMIMER and BJMC Ahmadabad. Statistical analysis used: The observations were tabulated for quantitative variable (Mean+/- 3SD). Two independent sample t test was applied to check group mean differences. The minimum in male range (A to B) and maximum in female range (C to D) were chosen as demarking points respectively for females and males. Results: In the present study the P value of various sacral indices was found to be less than 0.005 and thus highly significant. Conclusions: Based on various sacral indices and demarking points the sexual diamorphism of sacrum can be established with increased accuracy. The metric parameters are significantly different for different population groups.

Introduction: In humans, a hook-like bony process called Supracondylar process is occasionally seen on the anteromedial surface of the humerus. It has also been referred as the supraepitrochlear, supracondyloid, epicondyloid, or supratrochlear spur. It is curved, directed downwards and forwards, and its pointed apex is sometimes connected to the medial border just above the medial epicondyle by fibrous band known as Struthers ligament. Supracondylar process represents the embryologic vestigial remnant of climbing animals and seen in many reptiles, most marsupials, cats, lemurs and American monkeys. Aim: To study the incidence of supracondylar process of humerus. Materials and Methods: 88 adult dry humeri were collected from the Department of Anatomy, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences and were examined for any osseous projection from the distal part. Results: Out of 88 humeri, we found one humerus of left side with a bony projection from anteromedial surface of its distal shaft. The bone was then examined, studied, photographed and its dimensions were recorded using Vernier calipers. Conclusion: Knowledge of this variation is of great importance to anatomists and anthropologists because of the possible link to the origin and relation of human races and also to radiologists, orthopaedicians and surgeons due to its clinical implications.

Background: Dissection has been used for centuries to explore anatomy. Objections to the use of cadavers have led to the use of alternatives including virtual dissection of computer models. The current state of dissection in Anatomy is deteriorating. The number of hours spent by the students in dissection labs during medical school has decreased substantially over the last few years. The future of anatomy will be probably an elegant mix of traditional method and computer learning. Aim: To study the attitude of first year medical students towards dissection. Materials and Method: A cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Adichunchanagiri Institute of medical sciences, BG Nagara on 150 first year medical students. The data obtained was analyzed statistically. Results: Most of the students believed that dissection is an important tool and it facilitates anatomy learning. According to them it improves the skill but at the same time it consumes a lot of time. Conclusion: The use of dissection in medical training has been shown more effective in the retention of intended information than their simulated counterparts. The combinations of these methods are intended to strengthen the students understanding of anatomy, a subject that is infamously difficult to master.

Introduction: The odontoid process is the central pillar of craniovertebraljunction. It is assessed by lateral cervical spine and base of skull radiographs which however have diagnostic challenges due to the complexity of the anatomy. Modern-day Computed Tomography (CT) offers excellent bony detail and its ability to reconstruct the acquired CT data into various imaging planes makes the assessment of the cranio-cervical junction easy and more accurate. The standard skull base lines (Chamberlain’s and McRae’s lines) are used in the evaluation of the craniovertebral junction. They help to illustrate the degree of deformity in patients with basilar impression and aid in surgical decisions with regard to decompression, fixation and stabilization. These measurements are also used as guides in the conservative follow up of patients or those who are surgically managed. The Aim of The Study: To evaluate the relationship of the odontoid tip of C2 to the standard skull baselines of Chamberlain’s and McRae’s on computed tomography in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Materials and Methods: Reformatted midline sagittal CT images of 150 patients (M-68,F-82) were retrospectively evaluated. The shortest perpendicular distance was measured from the Chamberlain’s and McRae’s baselines for each subject to the odontoid tip. Results: The most common age group in male is 41-50 and female 31-40 years. The mean position of the odontoid process was 2.65 mm below Chamberlain’s line (median 2.7 mm, SD 0.21mm) and 4.6 mm (median 4.6 mm, SD 0.19 mm) below McRae’s line.There was no statistically significant difference in measurements between male and female patients. Conclusion: Imaging of this small structure to reach a specific diagnosis continues to be a challenge for radiologists. Multiplanar imaging with CT allows more detailed evaluation of bony and soft tissue structures. Adequate knowledge of development, complex anatomy, various disease processes, topographic relationships of odontoid with respect to CVJ and craniometry in association with the appropriate clinical background can provide a meaningful diagnosis. These results provide the mean of normal distance from the odontoid process to the standard skull base lines on CT. This study can be used as a base line data to access skull base problems.

666 Mucins implicated in cancers of various organs. The apical epithelial surfaces of mammalian respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts are coated by mucus, a mixture of water, ions, glycoproteins, proteins, and lipids. The purpose of this study was to confirm the presence of mucin production using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain as the gold standard and to describe the types of mucins using various types of histochemical techniques. Method: This is a retrospective, observational, analytical, case control study aimed to evaluate mucins histo-chemical pattern in normal human breast. Twenty five histologically proven normal human breast tissue were taken.Tissue sections were stained by Mayer’s Haematoxylin and Eosin, PAS, PAS-diastase, PhenylhydrazinePAS, Alcian blue 2.5, Alcian Blue 1, combined alcian blue-PAS, Aldehyde Fuschin and combined aldehyde fuchsin-alcian blue techniques. Result: The human mammary gland showed the presence of neutral mucins and acidic mucins. In acidic mucins sialomucins were present and sulfomucins were recorded in trace amount. This concludes that mucin histochemical patterns have valuable, cost-effective, and important role where a slight change in the mucin pattern may help in the early diagnosis of the disease process.

In a routine cadaveric dissections in a cadaver the short head of Biceps Brachii tendon (SHBT) showed bifurcated in attachment with the belly of the Pronator Teres muscle seen along with its usual course of attachment with the radial tuberosity. This was seen bilaterally on both the upper limbs in the same body during the anatomical dissection. Here the biceps brachii was originating from the long head from the supraglenoid tubercle from the capusular joint and the short head from the coracoid process of scapula.

Context: The pituitary gland or hypophysis cerebri is a neuroglandular body regulating the secretory activity of a host of other endocrine glands and tissues of the body. It lodges in the hypophyseal fossa of the sella turcica in the body of the sphenoid bone of the skull and is easily identified radiologically. To comprehend the functional disturbances caused by pituitary gland it becomes imperative to correlate it anatomically.

Aims: In this study we aim to highlight through case vignettes how an early recognition of anatomical lesions in the pituitary can influence the treatment plan in a patient presenting with a plethora of endocrine disturbances.

Methods and Material: Interesting and illustrative cases were chosen from the endocrine clinic of a tertiary care centre. Both outpatient and inpatient cases were included for the study.

Results: In this article through illustrative cases we demonstrate how anatomical lesions in the pituitary gland can affect other essential hormones and electrolytes namely sodium. The case vignettes will help the physician to interpret the not so common abnormalities of the thyroid function tests and also take early corrective measures to prevent mortality and morbidity in patients. 

Conclusions: The cases will impress upon the physician that all pituitary masses need not be operated and hence will prevent unnecessary surgical intervention. It will also help the anatomist to teach applied anatomy to students who will then relate to the endocrine emergencies and severe electrolyte abnormalities as a result of anatomical abnormalities in the pituitary gland.

Introduction: Strong and large paired lumbar pedicles arise posterolaterally from each body near its upper border.The pedicles important role in transferring weight from neural arch to the vertebral columns. Because of sedentary lifestyle, road site accident and degenerative disorders of spine in old age leads to lumbar instability. So there needs open surgical intervention or sometimes percutaneous pedicle screw fixation may be done to stabilize the vertebrae. So morphometric study of lumbar pedicle helps surgeon for transpedicle screw fixation. The study aimed at measuring the various dimensions of pedicles in lumbar vertebrae and to compare present study with the previous one and discuss its clinical significance.

Material and Methods: This anatomical study was conducted on 60 lumbar vertebras of undecided sex and age for morphological study. The vertebral columns are collected from anatomy departments of various Medical Colleges of North Gujarat.

Results: The average width of pedicle at L5 level were most (16.45±2.31mm) and least at L1 level (7.67±2.20mm). The average height of pedicle at L1 level were most (14.80±1.43mm) and least at L5 level (13.83±1.54mm). The average cord length of pedicle at L4 level were most (46.67±4.21mm) and least at L5 level (44.12±3.90mm).

Conclusion: Morphometric knowledge of pedicles is vital and important for an orthopedic surgeons, anatomist, anthropologists, radiologists and forensic researchers.

Background and objectives: The proximal end of femur has been the subject of much attention for Orthopaedic surgeons, as operations on it are one of the commonest among orthopaedic surgical procedures. Fractures of proximal femur are quite common. Internal fixation of these fractures with implants is required for early mobilization of patients. The knowledge of morphology of proximal end of femur is essential for designing of hip replacement implants and for planning before hip arthroplasty.

Methodology: The study was conducted on 280 adult human femora (136 right and 144 left). Sliding calliper and measuring tape were used for measurement of vertical and transverse diameter of head of femur, head circumference, vertical and transverse diameter of neck of femur and length of neck of femur. Results were analyzed statistically.

Results: Mean vertical and transverse diameters of head were found to be 40.53±3.51mm and 40.44±3.47mm respectively. Mean circumference of head was 126.33±12.61mm. Mean vertical and transverse diameter of neck were 27.82±2.82mm and 23.20±2.83mm respectively, mean length of neck of femur was 29.35±4.32mm.

Conclusion: Mean value of all parameters of femur in the present study showed significant differences with those obtained in other populations (p<0.01), proving racial and regional variation in femoral geometry. The present study has established valuable parameters which will be of help to forensic experts, anthropologists, orthopaedicians and bio-mechanical engineers in their respective specialities. It will be a guide for future implants design, to provide better fitting implants for the Maharashtrian population.

Context: The Carrying angle is defined as the angle between the median axis of arm and that of fully extended and supinated forearm. It is generally greater in females than in males and ranges from 2°-21° in males and 2°-26° in females. The Carrying angle also shows variation with age and various anthropometric parameters. Racial and regional influences add further to its variability. Thus, knowledge of carrying angle is useful for Orthopaedicians in their clinical practice,Biomechanical engineers for preparing elbow implants, Forensic experts and Anthropologists during prediction of sex and race of an individual.

Aims: To determine the normal Carrying angle of individuals belonging to Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and to compare these values with those reported by other authors in different ethnic groups.

Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 400 healthy individuals of both sexes of age group 18–40 years of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand using Goniometer and the data was analysed statistically.

Results: The mean right Carrying angle was found to be 8.71°±2.54° in males and 12.31°±2.53° in females. The mean left Carrying angle was found to be 8.06°±2.77° in males and 11.76°±2.73° in females.The values are significantly different from those reported by other authors in different ethnic groups.

Conclusions: This study has established data on the Carrying angle of Garhwal population of Uttarakhand. The carrying angle shows wide regional and racial variations. 

Introduction: The spleen is a large lymphoid organ situated mainly in left hypochondrium wedged between the fundus of stomach and the diaphragm. The spleen serves a large number of functions in humans starting from fetal life & continuing till adulthood. It is the site for manufacture of erythrocytes in fetus & takes up the immunological function in adult life. A large number of variations are observed in the morphology of spleen like different shapes, sizes, notches in the inferior border, accessory spleens etc. In present day medical practice,the stress is on non- invasive procedures& imaging techniques for various diagnosis and treatment. So, a thorough knowledge of the anatomy & variations observed in splenic morphology becomes very important.

Materials & Methods: A total of 36 spleens of both sexes which were obtained during routine dissection classes of undergraduate MBBS students were included in this study. These spleens were removed from the cadavers by standard dissection method.

Observations & Results: In our study, five different shapes of spleen were observed. Among them the commonest was wedge shaped (41.66%) and the least common was irregular shape (5.55%). The average length of spleen found is 10.152 cm, breadth is 6.014 cm & thickness is 3.236 cm. The average weight of our spleen in our study was 156.01 gms. One case of accessory spleen was seen in this study.

Conclusion: Study and documentation of these variations is important for surgeons and radiologists who are going for surgeries and imaging studies.

Introduction: Present study aims to determine the various dimensions of the glenoid cavity and to note the variation in its shape. Material and Methods: 123 dry, adult human scapulae were used for present study. Out of which, 60 belong to right side and 63 on left side. Length and breadth of glenoid cavity were measured by using the vernier caliper. Glenoid cavity index was calculated. We also noted the different shapes of glenoid cavity. Results: In present study, most common shape of glenoid cavity was pear shaped (51.22%) followed by inverted comma shaped (34.15%), followed by oval shape (14.63%). The average length of glenoid cavity on right side was 35.55±3.48 mm and on left side was 35.04±3.61 mm. The average breadth of glenoid cavity on right and left side were 22.51±2.51 mm and 22.81±2.88 mm respectively. Mean glenoid cavity index on right side was 63.62±6.73% and that of left side was 65.19±6.44%. Conclusion: Anatomical knowledge of shapes and dimensions of glenoid cavity are important for orthopaedic surgeons, anatomists, anthropologists and forensic experts.