Problem Based Learning In Anatomy – Our Experience.

Background: Presently Anatomy is taught in a traditional way through lectures, small group teaching and demonstration. All these are teacher-controlled methods for teaching as per Medical Education Technology. So it was decided to introduce a learner-controlled method for teaching of Anatomy i.e. problem-based learning (PBL) with the following. Objectives:To compare the performance of the students undergoing PBL with the performance of the students taught in a traditional way To compare the perception of the students about PBL in comparison to Traditional way Materials and methods: 32 students who volunteered for the study were divided into two groups. The first group was taught cerebellum by PBL method and the second group was taught cerebrum by PBL method. Cross over method was then applied. Thereafter a theory examination was conducted. A feedback questionnaire was given to the students after the examination. Results: The average score of the students in the PBL group was more than that of the students in the lecture group in 60% questions. The score was same in 20% questions. The score was reverse in 20% of questions. PBL was appreciated and accepted by the students. It can be introduced partly in the existing curriculum.

Variations In The Formation Of The Median Nerve.

Background: Variations in the formation of median nerve can result in misinterpretation of clinical signs due to median nerve palsy and hence they are of great clinical significance. Thus this project was taken up to study these variations and also to measure the distance of the site of formation of the median nerve from the tip of the coracoid process of the scapula. Methodology: Ninety-eight formalin fixed upper limbs were used for the study (50 right, 48 left). The variations in the formation of the median nerve were noted. The level of formation of the median nerve was measured from the tip of the coracoid process of the scapula. Results: The median nerve was formed from an anterior cord of brachial plexus in two cases, both on the left side. Double lateral root of the median nerve was present in 4 specimens, 3 on the left side and 1 on the right side. Conclusion: Variations in the formation of median nerve have embryological basis and clinical significance and the distance of site of the union of two roots of the median nerve from the tip of the coracoid process will be helpful to surgeons to locate median nerve in surgeries around the shoulder.