Jigsaw Method of Interactive Teaching to Unpuzzle Neuroanatomy

Introduction: Student driven interactive methods of teaching are a major part of andragogy, which drives them to professional competency. Jigsaw method is one such interactive teaching modality which fosters self-directed learning and peer interaction. The aim of this study is to access the effectiveness of Jigsaw method of interactive teaching qualitatively and quantitatively among 1st year MBBS students. Materials and methods: this study was done in 1st year medical students. The students were exposed to jigsaw method of interactive teaching in small groups and the program was evaluated by assessing the short and long term memory of the students. Feedback also was obtained from the students. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores as compared to traditional teaching methods. The perception of students also showed promising results. Discussion: there have been many studies on student perception on such interactive teaching methods which revealed that the students were showing better academic performances. A few studies like the present one, on quantitative assessment of students score after Jigsaw method of interactive teaching has also shown good results. Conclusion: the jigsaw method of interactive teaching encourages student participation and enhances self directed learning and peer assisted learning.

Craniocerebral and Spinal Dysraphism with Omphalocele – A Case Report of Primary Neurulation Defect

Background: Anencephaly and Spina bifida are the two most common types of neural tube defects (NTDs). Disrupted formation and closure of neural folds leads to Craniocerebral and spinal dysraphisms. Materials and methods: An 18 week old foetus was received in the department of Anatomy after elective medical termination of pregnancy due to the diagnosis of neural tube defect and associated congenital anomalies. Case Report: The foetus had anencephaly, thoracic-lumbar spina bifida, omphlocele and clubbed foot and hands. The foetus was dissected and studied, to look for abnormal internal structures. On meticulous dissection it was found that there were abnormalities in spine, gastrointestinal system and cranium. Conclusion: Anencephaly is a neural tube defect which has multiple neural and non-neural associated anomalies. A detailed description of the combination of associated anomalies goes a long way in updating knowledge on the same.

Exploring the Learner’s Perception about Embryology – Before and After Introduction of Competency Based Medical Curriculum (CBME)

Background: The perceived relevance of a subject/area will decide how much the student will study that. Competency based Medical Curriculum helps students to understand the subject relevance due to its structured format. The feedback from students about subject relevance is needed as they are the primary stakeholders for learning. In this era of involving molecular biology and genetics in medical field, it is very difficult to determine how much to teach a basic subject like embryology. This questionnaire study was done to know the viewpoints of 3rd semester & 5th semester medical students about the relevance and necessity of embryology in medical education. Method: An anonymous questionnaire was sent to 3rd semester, CBME batch & 5th semester students, traditional or regular batch of Sree Balaji Medical College, Chrompet. The pre validated questionnaire contained questions regarding the perceived relevance & importance of embryology. Results: Students reported the relevance of embryology knowledge for learning other medical subjects & they more often acknowledged embryology as being of great importance for their professional careers. This perception has increased especially after introduction of Competency based Medical Curriculum. Overall, study results suggest that medical students have a positive attitude toward embryology undergraduate course. Conclusion: This evidence could be used as an additional motive for the development embryology courses, with special emphasis on practical application of knowledge in clinically-oriented setting.

A Cadaveric Study on the Anomalous Extensors of the Hand

Background: The hands play a pivotal role in skilled movements. Anomalous muscles of the extensors of the hand are seen usually in anatomical dissections and during surgeries. Variations of the muscles in the dorsum of hand may be asymptomatic or may cause dorsal wrist pain, particularly if a muscle belly encroaches on and obstruct the wrist’s small extensor compartments deep to extensor retinaculum. Methods: A total of 54 upper limb specimens were used for the current study from the Anatomy Department of an undergraduate & postgraduate teaching Medical College in India. Incidence of additional muscle belly and its tendon in the posterior compartment of the forearm and dorsum of the hand were noted and photographed. Results: The anomalous muscle bellies and tendons in extensor compartment of forearm and dorsum of hand were observed in 10 limbs (18.5%) of 54 limbs. Of which, the extensor medii proprius (EMP) was 9.3%, extensor digitorum brevis manus (EDBM) was 3.7%. The numbers of the tendon of the extensor digitorum (ED) were varied in 3 limbs (5.6%). Conclusion: Knowledge of anatomical data of such variant muscles and additional belly or tendon in the extensor compartment of forearm and dorsum of hand is essential for surgeons to modify treatment plan, so as to avoid reporting error and of surgical procedures while operating on hand.

Effectiveness of Flipped Class Room Approach as a Teaching Methodology in Anatomy for Early Clinical Exposure Modules for First-Year Medical Students – An Interventional Study

Background: The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India has rolled out the competency based undergraduate medical curriculum in the year 2019 where there is more emphasis on integration of basic and clinical sciences, early clinical exposure (ECE) and clinical competence and skills. To achieve this it is essential to work on higher forms of cognitive work. Hence it reckons for the change in the teaching–learning methodology currently in practice. Thus we introduced a innovative teaching methodology such as flipped class room (FCR) methodology among first year medical graduates for early clinical exposure modules in anatomy. Materials and methods: This interventional study was conducted among the 1st year MBBS students of Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital (2019–2020 academic year). The ECE modules were taught using both traditional lectures and FCR methodology. Pre and post tests were conducted for both the methodology. A comparative analysis of FCR teaching method with lecture based session was done by obtaining the scores of the students. A Structured questionnaire to assess the learner’s perception about FCR teaching methodology was obtained from the participants. The Results were analyzed using microsoft excel and SPSS software version 23. Evaluation of teaching tool was done by using Kirkpatrick model Results: Repeated measures Anova was applied and there was a significant difference within the two methodology and the interaction effect was also significant with P value 0.001. Although both methods show increase in mean from pre to post test the mean increase in flipped class method is more than the lecture. Spearman’s correlation was done which showed there is a significant relationship between both the methods with p value 0.001 correlation co-efficient r was 0.377. Overall Response to FCR method received higher rating. Conclusion: FCR methodology creates the opportunity to meet the needs of students through various instructional activities. There is a positive reinforcement and improvement in the student’s performance.

Morphometric Study Of Nasal Bone And Piriform Aperture In Human Dry Skull Of South Indian Origin

Background: Nasal bone and piriform aperture shows racial and geographical differences because of variableclimate.Aim: the aim of this study was to evaluate the dimensions (maximal width and length), the size and the shape ofthe piriform aperture (PA) and nasal bone in South Indian adult.Materials and Methods: In this observational study, dimension of piriform aperture and nasal bone were measuredusing digital Vernier Calipers after assessing landmarks around the piriform aperture on the norma frontalis inFrankfurt plane in 51 skull of South Indian origin.Results: The mean height of the piriform aperture between male and female showed significance this hascorrelated well with the previously data acquired from human skulls. The present study findings were similar tomost of Indian skulls having platyrhine type of piriform aperture (triangular to oval shape with piriform apertureindex of 0.79. The Mean length and width of nasal bone did not show sexual dimorphism.Conclusion: the analysis of size and shape of the piriform aperture showed the existence of a significant sexualdimorphism. These results encourage us to go further with functional and imaging correlations. This study willalso be helpful in forensic research, anthropology and plastic surgery.

Giant bladder calculus- A cadaveric report.

Background: Urolithias is the process of formation of stones in the kidney, bladder and urethra is a complex phenomenon yet not clearly understood. It is a condition distributed worldwide and it is dependent on socioeconomic conditions that have generated changes in the prevalence, incidence and distribution. We report a giant calculus that we came across during routine dissection of a 60 year old female cadaver in the Department of Anatomy. This cadaveric calculus is reported for the rarity of size of the calculus in modern times, with improved diagnosis and management.