Aseem Tandon

Supernumerary head of biceps brachii and branching pattern of the musculocutaneous nerve

During routine dissection by medical undergraduates, third head of the biceps brachii muscle was found on the left side of a 75-year-old male cadaver in a total of 48 arms dissected in Department of Anatomy Armed Forces Medical College, Pune. Biceps brachii is a muscle of arm having two heads hence the name. The most frequent variation of the muscle is in the number of heads with a prevalence range of 9.1-22.9%. The origin of the supernumerary head in this case was from the humerus, between the insertion of the coracobrachialis and the upper part of the origin of the brachialis, and also from the medial intermuscular septum. The supernumerary head joined the common belly. It was supplied by the musculocutaneous nerve which after emerging from brachialis pierced it near the middle and terminated by finally supplying the biceps belly. In our study, 2.08% (1 of 48) of male cadavers were found to have the third head of biceps. The incidence of this variation can be as much as 10% as, shown in previous studies on Indian population, as reported in standard textbooks of anatomy.

Agenesis of dorsal wall of sacrum: A case report

Article History Received: 01.10.2018 Accepted: 07.10.2018 Published: 30.10.2018 Abstract: Sacrum is a triangular bone formed by fusion of five sacral vertebrae. It is wedged between two hip bones. Its base articulates with 5 th lumbar vertebra and apex with coccyx. Complete agenesis of the dorsal wall of sacrum was observed during one routine osteology tutorial. The same is presented. The sacral canal was completely open posteriorly due to non fusion of the laminae from S1 to S5. The sacral canal is formed by sacral vertebral foramina. The anterior wall of the canal is formed by fusion of the sacral vertebral bodies. The fused laminae, spines and ossified ligamenta flava form the dorsal wall. The sacral canal is triangular in cross section and contains cauda equina, filum terminale and spinal meninges. Duramater and arachnoid mater end at middle of sacrum (generally at the level of S2) while filum terminale is continuation of piamater till coccyx. Knowledge of variations in the dorsal wall of sacrum due to congenital factors is essential for anesthesiologists, surgeons and physicians to treat the related disorders. Study of the variation in anatomical features of sacral hiatus and dorsal wall of sacral canal is important with regards to its clinical application in caudal epidural anesthesia. Sacral approach to epidural space is reliable and effective means of blocking sacral nerves.

The histogenesis of human liver a perspective study on organization of hepatocytes and portal triad

Liver is the largest compound gland in the body.It plays a major role in metabolism and has a number of exocrine and endocrine functions in the body.It is known that function of an organ depends on histological maturation of that organ.By studying the microscopic structure of liver at various fetal ages will help to establish the time when the liver becomes fully functional.

Redeeming dissection course for medical undergraduates by compact structured schedules and frequent in-course assessments

Introduction Trends of doing away with dissection in anatomy are increasing worldwide for a variety of reasons. We have developed a strategy to redeem dissection by making it more purposeful and edit it to highlight clinical relevance using 90 structured dissection schedules and frequent in-course assessments. Materials and methods This strategy was tested by a longitudinal interventional study in medical undergraduates in the first year of preclinical phase. Out of 268 students, 134 were in a study group and the remaining 134 in a control group. Groups were similar in terms of age and sex composition and, prior academic performance. For the control group, dissection was performed using traditional methods and for the study group by the new strategy using 90 structured dissection schedules and weekly in-course assessments. Comparison of these groups was made in terms of their performance in three examinations spanning over one academic year. Results The study group performed better than the control group in both written and oral/practical parts of the first term, preliminary examinations and university examinations, the difference being statistically significant. Conclusion The threat to wreak havoc on the very edifice of medical education is to be countered by making dissection indispensable. It has been achieved by following a planned strategy that makes the student realise the importance of dissection. Dividing dissection course in well-defined schedules and conducting frequent in-course assessments improves the participation and performance of medical undergraduates.