Indian Journal of Anatomy

Presence of accessory muscles in upper or lower extremities is not uncommon. Variations may be in the form of presence of accessory or duplicate muscles or tendons, absence of muscle or tendon. We report a very rare variation, which is not described previously. During routine dissection of cadavers for teaching medical undergraduates at ESIC Medical Vollege, Sanathnagar, we observed an extra small muscle in­between the first and the second layer of the sole of the left foot, with a small belly arising from inter­muscular septa on the medial side of the foot. It was innervated by medial plantar nerve. Muscle belly was running superficial to flexor digitorum longus tendon and flexor digitorum accessorius from medial to lateral side and formed a tendon which was running medial to and in close contact with the tendon of flexor digitorum longus for little toe, to be inserted along with it at the base of distal phalanx of the little toe. The knowledge of these anatomical variations of foot muscle architecture is utmost importance to orthopedic surgeons, radiologist and podiatrist in analysis of foot function, biomechanical modeling of the foot and prosthesis designing. In painful and disabling conditions of foot during differential diagnosis of the presence of accessory muscles of the foot should be kept in mind. On
other hand additional muscle slip can be used as replacement flaps in cases of tendon rupture or dysfunction.

Normal formation, full development and functions of the placenta determine the survival and growth of foetus. Study of placenta gives insight into the health condition of fetus. Materials & Methods: A total of 500 subjects, each in hypertensive and normotensive group were included in this study conducted in Anatomy Department of SBKS Medical College and Research Centre, Vadodara. Results: In the hypertensive groups, 80% females were primigravida while 20% females were multigravida. In the hypertensive group,there was significant increase in the number of deliveries occurring at pre­term (35%) and a significant proportion of deliveries were by lower section caesarean section (45%). Mean birth weight of the babies was 2.82±0.43 in control and 2.33 ± 0.84kg in hypertension group. On examining the morphometry of the placentas, it was observed that mean placental weight was 541.4±30.62g in control group as against 478.4±30.62g in the hypertension group. The mean placental diameter was 19.87±1.47 cm in control group while it was 17.87±1.47cm in another group. In the hypertension group the placental area, volume and thickness were significantly less as compared to control group. Mean number of cotyledons were 18.46±1.54 in control group as against 16.46±1.54 in hypertension group. Fetoplacental ratio and placental co­efficient were 5.23±0.86 and 0.19±0.02 in control group and 4.88±1.79 and 0.17±0.06 in the hypertension group. Conclusion: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have significant effect on the morphology and morphometry of placenta and also influences the fetal outcomes.

 Aim of the Syudy: The existence of Kugels artery has been rarely reported in literatures. In this study, I have explained the existence and course of Kugels artery. This will be helpful for the cardiologists to analyse the role of Kugels artery in the pathogenesis of valvulitis and lesions of the commissures and the base of the Heart. Kugels anastomotic artery has been described as a constant circumflex branch usually from its anterior part traversing the interatrial septum to establish direct or indirect anastomosis with the right coronary artery. Its existence has been questioned. Materials and Methods: 32 Heart specimens were dissected. The origin course and termination of Kugels artery was traced. Results and Conclusion: Out of 32 hearts specimens dissected, Kugels artery was found in 8 hearts. The main supply to the atrioventricular node is from the posterior interventricular branch of right coronary artery. Various studies explain that Kugels artery is an accessory blood supply to the atrioventricular Node. Kugels artery is said to terminate near the crux. Here it acts as a source of collaterals with atrioventricular nodal artery.

Background: The information on the branching pattern of external carotid artery helps clinicians during arterial imaging studies and surgeries of neck.There is increased possibility of iatrogenic injury to carotid arterial system if there is high level of unpredictability. These variations of external carotid artery are important during surgeries like thyroidectomy, laryngectomy, tonsillectomy, faciomaxillary, glossectomy and other neck surgeries. Materials and Methods: 42 (30 male and 12 female) human cadavers allotted to first M.B.B.S students at Government Mohan
Kumaramangalam Medical College during the years 2012­2017 were studied to examine individual differences in external carotid arterial branching pattern. The origin of superior thyroid, lingual and facial arteries were noted. Results: Superior thyroid artery arises mostly from external carotid artery in right side when compared to left side. Variant origin of superior thyroid from common carotid artery is most common in left side. Linguofacial trunk is occurring more on the right side when compared with the left side. Conclusion: Head and neck surgeons must be cautious about the variable anatomy of the external carotid artery because of its clinical importance. Radiologists, while interpretation of various imaging studies, should be aware of these possibilities in the branching pattern of external carotid artery.

Background and Introduction: Congenital malformations may be defined as any anatomical defect, single or multiple, present at birth, attributable to fault in development. The severity of such a defect may vary from symptomless and regressible capillary naevi to lethal multiple system defects. A combination of genetic, biologic and environmental factors is considered to be responsible for many of these conditions. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the Obstetrics & Gynecology department of a tertiary care hospital in Southeastern India. The period of study was taken as per the protocol of the project. It was a hospital based observational study not involving any surgical intervention. Observation and Results: A total of 7268 babies were delivered during this period in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, (both live and still born). Out of these 116 (one hundred and sixteen) babies were found to have congenital malformations including both major and minor malformations. In the present study, the commonest system involved was the musculoskeletal system (22.4%). The commonest malformations of the musculoskeletal system observed in the present study were talipes (15cases) and polydactyly (8 cases). Conclusion: Congenital malformations constitute one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period, affecting nearly 1.59% of the newborns and contributing to many of the prenatal deaths. 

 Background: Human Anatomy is the fundamental subject for medical student and teaching fac­ulties. In recent years, demand of cadavers has drastically increased which remains unfulfilled almost everywhere in the country. The purpose of our study is to assess the awareness and willingness regarding organ/body donation based on gender, different age groups and their familarity with cadaveric dissection. Aim: To study the awareness and willingness for organ and body donation with respect to gender, different age groups and familiarity with Cadaveric dissection. Material and Methods: A cross­sectional studyusing a specially designed, validated questionnaire containing mcq’s was done amongst Medical, Dental, Ayurveda and Nursing students, staff and patients of ESIC Institute Gulbarga after taking their informed consent. It was followed by a counseling session where queries regarding organ and body donation were solved and procedure of registration for the same was explained. Results: Amongst the 1000 study participants, questionnairessubmitted by 194 participants were found incomplete, hence those participants were removed from the study. After analyzing duly signed and filled questionnaire collected from the 806 participants, following observations were seen. 1. Female participants showed more awareness (66.4%, 73.3%) and willingnesss (41.3%, 15.2%) for organ and body donation. 2. Younger age group particpiants were found to be more aware (76.3%, 84.24%) and showed more willingness (47.43%, 20.03%) to donate organ and body respectively. 3. Acquainted participants comprising of medical, dental and ayurvedic students who were familiar with cadaveric dissection showed more awareness (87.0%, 92.41%) towards organ and body donation compared to other participants. 4. Lesser acquainted participants showed more willingness (54.6%, 30.76%) to donate organ and body for academic purpose compared to other participants. Conclusions: 1. Female participants showed more awareness and willingnesss for organ and body donation than their male counterparts. 2. Younger age group particpiants were found to be more aware and willing to donate organ and body than older and middle sge groups. 3. Acquainted participants showed more awareness but actual willingness to donate organ and body was shown by lesser acquainted group.

Background: Liver is the largest gland and second largest organ in the human body. Anatomically, it consist of two lobes right and left seperated from each other by ligaments. Two additional lobes caudate and quadrate lobe are seen on the posterior and inferior surface of liver respectively. Aim: To observe and analyse the type and frequency of variations in liver morphology. Study Design: Observational study. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 80 liver specimens obtained during routine dissection of undergraduate students. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics. Results and Conclusions: Out of 80 specimens, 56 specimens showed normal fissures and lobes. The rest of the 24 specimens showed morphological variations. The findings of the present study will be helpful for the radiologist, surgeons and anatomists.

The systematic study of the skin ridge patterns on the varied places such as fingers, toes, palms of the hands and soles of feetis so­called Dermatoglyphics. Although various dermatoglyph studies are reported in primary amenorrhea from time to time with reference to numerous clinical and non­clinical conditions.There is a shortage of knowledge associated with study of dermatoglyphic patterns with reference to primary as well as secondary amenorrhea. This present prospective study was designedto check at the same time finger and palmar dermatoglyphic patterns in amenorrhea patients. An attempt was made to seek out whether or not a particular dermatoglyphic trait exists in amenorrhea. Palmar and finger prints of patients with primary and secondary amenorrhea were collected and qualitative analysis of fingertip patterns was carried out by recordingwhorls (simple vs.composite), loops (ulnar vs. radial) and arches (plain vs. tented). The Fingertip pattern was done by total finger ridge count. We observed a significant increase in fingertip pattern (whorl, arches, and loop), as well as total finger ridge count in primary amenorrhoea patient as compare to control. There was not any significant variation was seen in secondary amenorrhea patients as compared to controls. This finding may be quite useful as a supportive investigation, and could be used in amenorrheic subjects for further referral for karyotyping and counseling in the Indian sub­continent furthermore as globally.
 

Introduction: Ultrasound has become the essential tool of modern obstetric practice. Ultrasound dating along with LMP provides more accurate gestational age assessment than menstrual dating alone. Aim: To estimate gestational age in second & third trimesters using ultrasonographic imaging, by fetal biometry parameters i.e Femur Length (FL) and Humerus Length (HL). Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in 100 normal pregnant women with singleton uncomplicated pregnancy, with the known last menstrual period (LMP). Results: FL was found to be more reliable parameter as compared to HL in both second and third trimester of pregnancy. Conclusion: HL can also be used one of the reliable parameter next to femur length in assessing gestational age.

Introduction: Knowledge of morphological features of the fetal heart is necessary to achieve an accurate diagnosis of possible malformations as well as other conditions that may cause physiological alterations in the fetal heart progressing to cardiac failure and fetal death, if not opportunely corrected. Clinical anatomy of the true interatrial septum is treacherous, difficult and its unfamiliarity can cause many serious complications. Materials and Methods: 40 formalin preserved fetal hearts at gestational age from 14 to 40 weeks were dissected through midline thoracotomy and cutting open the pericardial sac. Foramen ovale diameter and septum primum excursion in the left atrium were measured in millimeter. Result: In gestational age group of 14­20 weeks (14 fetuses), foramen ovale diameter (FOD) was 2.3 mm in male and 2.2 mm in female while septum primum excursion (SPE) was 2 mm in both. In 21­30 weeks (16 fetuses), FOD was 2.5 mm in both while SPE was 2.2 in male and 2.1 in female. In 31­40 weeks (10 fetuses), FOD was 32 mm in male and 3.8 mm in female while SPE was 4 mm in male and 3.6 mm in female. Conclusion: A sound knowledge about the normal anatomy and development of the fetal heart has become absolutely necessary to know the fetal echocardiography and new surgical techniques for correction of prenatally diagnosed cardiac malformations.

Context: Measurement of stature and middle finger lengths are part of studies in anthropology. Aims: To evaluate correlation between length of middle fingers and stature of college students in both males and females of medical and paramedical fields of Maharashtra which would be beneficial for Anatomists, Anthropologists, Forensic experts and in ergonomics. Setting and Design: Department of Anatomy, Dr Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation’s Medical College, Vilad ghat Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Material & Methods: Measurements were taken for stature and middle finger length of both hands of 150 males and 150 females. Statistical analysis used: Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. Results: For males, Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between stature and right middle finger was 0.598 and between stature and left middle finger was 0.591. For females, Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between stature and right middle finger was 0.569 and between stature and left middle finger was 0.551. P values for both genders were highly significant. Conclusion: Stature and middle finger length of both hands were significantly correlated with each other irrespective of gender. These strong correlations were further utilized to derive regression equations.