Visualization in Anatomical Sciences for Effective Teaching and Learning

Anatomy is one of the basic subjects of medical science. Medical students gain detailed knowledge of human body by dissecting cadavers. Hence, cadaveric dissection has become an essential tool in teaching and learning anatomy. In anatomy, visualization plays an important role in understanding the spatial orientation of structures. Due to technological advancement and a shortage of cadavers, there is a need to look for various complementary tools which can provide an adequate visualization of bodily structures. This issue was very well understood and reflected during the recent pandemic when cadaveric dissection was substituted by experimenting with various teaching tools. In this paper, we have tried to briefly describe the various options that can complement/supplement dissection and assist in self-directed learning

Online Learning Modules in Anatomical Sciences: Effective Sources for Continued Learning for Medical Undergraduates During the Unprecedent COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction. During the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown, the selection of simple and authentic online material among plethora of web content is difficult for both students and teachers. This forces students and teachers to explore various avenues of learning. The objective of this research was to evaluate free open-access anatomy e-learning resources in accordance with required standard learning outcomes for medical students. Methods. During February 2021, an extensive search for online modules for learning anatomy across six Massive Open Online Courses, including edX, Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, Canvas and FutureLearn, along with Google and YouTube was conducted. Courses or modules on e-learning platforms, YouTube channels, standalone videos, anatomy atlases, 3D models were considered as learning resources and evaluated. Online materials were classified as structured learning resources if they had a defined syllabus, time duration and instructional design. Resources lacking these characteristics were considered as unstructured ones. Results. Twenty structured learning courses were identified on the Udemy (6 courses), Coursera (3 courses), edX (2 courses), FutureLearn and Khan academy platforms. Learning resources available through Swayam Prabha were aligned with the defined syllabus and video lectures. The content hosted within Clinical Anatomy, Medvizz and Kenhub was eye-catching. Thirty-two YouTube channels offering standalone learning material were identified. Seven resource materials, other than YouTube channels, offered anatomy learning material in the form of charts and tables. Four websites noted to have 3D interactive learning content regarding gross anatomy. Conclusions. During the pandemic-induced lockdown, the list presented in the study may act as guide in selection of the simplest and best materials for those teaching and learning anatomy in medical undergraduate courses. However, in most cases, there is no alignment with standard learning outcomes as defined by medical education regulatory authorities

Pyramidal Lobe Variations of the Thyroid Gland and Its Clinical Implications: A Short Review and Case Report

The thyroid gland is characterized by significant anatomical variability, which may lead to difficulties in diagnostic and treatment outcomes. The pyramidal lobe is the most common variation present in up to 30% of the population. Literature has witnessed research on different variations of the pyramidal lobe, preference for the lobe from which it arises, gender preference, etc. Understanding such variations is essential for successful treatment outcomes for thyroid diseases. This short review was aimed to highlight embryological aspects of the thyroid gland, variation of its pyramidal lobe and present a rare case of demarcated left lobe, pyramidal lobe, and an associated cyst

Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna and Temporalis Interna: A Rare Case Report

Hyperostosis is a slow-growing benign bone tumour often seen in the bones of the cranial vault, more commonly found in elderly females. It is an incidental finding noted during radiological examination. The clinical manifestation of such tumour depends on its location inside the cranial cavity: the proximity to the paranasal sinuses, brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels, etc. Its clinical findings may range from mild obstruction of the paranasal sinuses or blood vessels to severe compression of the surrounding cranial nerves. Here a rare case of hyperostosis of the frontal and temporal bones found during a routine cadaveric dissection in the Department of Anatomy is presented. Causes of the formation of such unusually enlarged bone masses inside the cranial cavity and their clinical presentation are discussed

Omicron and vaccine booster dose – an update

Mutations in coronavirus is not unheard off. The variant, Omicron B.1.1.529 has overall 50 mutations and is considered as a variant of concern. Though the new variant has shown changes throughout its genome, S gene changes predominate. Significant changes in the S encoding gene, S gene, influences not only the transmissibility properties of SARS-CoV-2 but also the efficacy of existing vaccines. Increased transmissibility and ability of this variant to evade host immune responses conferred either due to past infections or due to vaccination driving increase in number of infections. However, the severity of the infections is low in comparison to its predecessors. A meta-analysis of ten studies analyzing the effect of COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, it was found studies report 10-to-42-fold increase in omicron neutralization. COVID appropriate behaviors, if followed rigidly can bring a meaningful change in the viral spread and resultant health impacts