Indian Journal of Anatomy

Sirenomelia (mermaid syndrome) is a very rare congenital anomaly which results in fusion of two lower limbs along with manyother visceral malformations. We report a case of mermaid syndrome in Maharashtra, India. An 18 – 20 weeks old abortus with lower limbs fused together like mermaid appearance. The abortus had fused lower extremities but bony structures for each leg were present on x- ray imaging. The umbilical cord consisted of a single artery and one vein. Multiple theories have been suggested for the pathogenesis of this condition, and despite recent progress in pathology, this condition remains debated.

During Covid 19 Pandemic, the field of medical education was severely affected. Faculty members and students alike felt the need for E-learning. In E-learning students can learn at their own convenience from remote locations and the matter can be repeated a number of times as and when required. In developing countries like India a lot of efforts were required to ensure that the transition to E-learning would be smooth. A good quality internet service is costly, technical problems and students unfamiliar with E-learning systems are some of the problems faced. The present paper expresses a student’s perception of E-learning as a result of COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges faced. It is crucial that medical instructors communicate knowledge on effectiveness of E-learning and remove inhibitions among the students. Although E-learning is an effective tool which has come into a full-fledged existence after the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many challenges yet to be overcome in medical education.

Keywords: Covid 19 Pandemic; Medical Education; Faculty Members; Students; E-learning; Internet Service; Developing Countries.

The tricuspid valve is subject to multiple variations with respect to the modal variety, knowledge of these variations is essential to the practice of cardiac surgery. The objective of this work was to identify the anatomical variations of the tricuspid valve and to clarify their implications.

This was an anatomical study by dissection of 21 formalin hearts, taken from Senegalese melanoderms anatomical subjects. The morphometry of the cusps and the annulus was studied and analyzed statistically.

The ring shape was circular in 10 hearts and elliptical in 11 with an average diameter of 3.86 cm and an average circumference of 12.1 cm. Fifteen anatomical pieces contained 3 cusps; 2 had 2 and the rest had 4. Statistical analyzes revealed that as the number of cusps increases, the width of the anterior cusp decreases.

This work made it possible to highlight the anatomical variations of the tricuspid valve concerning the cusps and to establish averages concerning the morphometric values of the latter as well as their impact in its surgical management.

The coracoid process is aptly defined as the “light house of the shoulder” since an important principle of shoulder surgery is to board an approach which is lateral to the coracoid process. This is done to evade the neurovascular structures passing medially; besides, many important tendinous and ligamentous attachments are anchored here. Loss or damage of any of the structures could lead to alterations in the structure of coracoid process. Therefore, a more comprehensive study of the morphology of coracoid process is needed.

Aim: To study the coracoid process of scapula and its clinical significance.

Material and Methods: The present study was conducted on 100 dry human scapulae. Coracoglenoid shape was examined and classified into Type I - round bracket, Type II - square bracket and Type III fish hook. Morphometric parameters such as length, breadth, thickness and height, acromiocoracoid and coracoglenoid distance were measured and statistical analysis was carried out.

Results: Type I Coracoglenoid shape was observed in maximum number of specimens. Differences observed in the morphometric parameters observed on right and left side were statistically insignificant.

Clinical Significance: The coracoid is involved in many surgical interventions on the glenohumeral joint, hence variant dimensions of the coracoid process are of importance for Radiologists and Orthopaedic surgeons for planning reparative procedures on the shoulder and is also useful in Forensics for gender determination.

Conclusion: The outcomes of the present study establish the proportions of the coracoid process which can aid in finding the suitable approaches for repair of a coracoid fracture.

Background: Abnormalities of liver are rarely reported. Even though they are present in society, most of them are asymptomatic and remain undetected. The morphological abnormalities of liver can cause diagnostic confusion for physicians, surgeons, radiologist and anatomists. A sound knowledge of the normal and variant liver anatomy is a prerequisite for a favorable surgical outcome. Eventhough the segmental anatomy of the liver has been a field of extensive research, there are very few studies regarding the surface variations of the liver.

Materials and Methods: Observational study on 60 cadaveric livers ranging from 40-60 years undertaken.

Results: 35 livers showed various types of morphological variations.

Conclusion: This study highlights patterns of variations in the lobes and fissures of the liver and useful for the radiologists and surgeons to ward off the possibility of misdiagnosis and also in planning surgical procedures related to Liver and Gallbladder.

Keywords: Liver; Morphological variations; Cadaveric Livers; Surgeons; Radiologist.

Background: The Radiological Anatomy is a clinically oriented subdivision of Human Anatomy, but as observed, it is largely neglected by the undergraduate first year MBBS students. This study is undertaken to find a suitable method to teach as well as generate interest in learning this subdivision of Anatomy.

Aim and Objective: To facilitate the first year MBBS students to study Radiological Anatomy and improve the understanding of the subject and thereby enhance their performance. To analyze their performance and study their perception.

Materials & Methods: This is a prospective study, seeking preference for method of teaching Radiological Anatomy among first year MBBS students. Data collection was done with a structured questionnaire containing questions pertaining to their preference, perception as well as their attitude for learning Radiological Anatomy after taking an informed consent.

Results: In this study, majority of the students preferred the teaching method of using questionnaire booklet of Radiological Anatomy then the conventional way.

Conclusion: Questionnaires should be incorporated in those subdivisions of Anatomy which are neglected by the students for understanding of the subject, improve thinking ability and thereby performance.

Introduction: An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a persistent interatrial communication, accounts for approximately 6–10% of congenital defects. ASD types include Ostium Secundum, Ostium Primum, Sinus Venosus, and Coronary sinus defects. Small ASDs may not have significant clinical consequences, while a large defect may lead to life threatening symptoms. The objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of ASD in the hearts of adult human cadavers.

Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on a total of 25 Hearts obtained from cadavers allotted to the undergraduate medical students and preserved specimens from the Department of Anatomy.

Results: The presence of Ostiumsecundum ASD was seen in 1 out of 25 specimens (4%). It was an elliptical opening measuring 10×8 mm.

Conclusion: ASDs are associated with the risk of Stroke, Transient Ischaemic Attack, and Paradoxical Embolism. The Anatomical knowledge of the position of the ASD and it's morphometric knowledge enables it to differentiate between various Septal Defects. ASDs are usually closed by surgical intervention or by Percutaneous Transcatheter Closure.

Keywords: Foramen ovale; Atrial septal defect; Septum secundum; Cadaveric study.