Recently published craniometric and genetic studies indicate a predominantly indigenous ancestry of Indian populations. We address this issue with a fuller coverage of Indian craniometrics than any done before. We analyse metrical variability within Indian series, Indians' sexual dimorphism, differences between northern and southern Indians, index-based differences of Indian males from other series, and Indians' multivariate affinities. The relationship between a variable's magnitude and its variability is log-linear. This relationship is strengthened by excluding cranial fractions and series with a sample size less than 30. Male crania are typically larger than female crania, but there are also shape differences. Northern Indians differ from southern Indians in various features including narrower orbits and less pronounced medial protrusion of the orbits. Indians resemble Veddas in having small crania and similar cranial shape. Indians' wider geographic affinities lie with “Caucasoid” populations to the northwest, particularly affecting northern Indians. The latter finding is confirmed from shape-based Mahalanobis-D distances calculated for the best sampled male and female series. Demonstration of a distinctive South Asian craniometric profile and the intermediate status of northern Indians between southern Indians and populations northwest of India confirm the predominantly indigenous ancestry of northern and especially southern Indians.

Background: Of the synovial joints in the body knee joint is the largest. Each meniscus is a piece of fibrocartilage with a thickened outside edge and a thin inner edge so that it is wedge-shaped in cross section. The purpose of the present study was to establish database on standard dimensions in knee menisci of adults of north Indian population.Methods: The sample for this study was collected from April, 2012 to June, 2013. For this study, 200 menisci (100 right and left each) of 50 adult humans were taken for analysis. Measurements were done with the help of non-elastic thread and digital vernier calipers. All dissections were performed in a systematic fashion.Results: The width of the lateral meniscus was significantly different form medial meniscus with lateral and medial menisci widest in middle and posterior third respectively. The middle one third of both lateral and middle menisci was the thickest.Conclusions: It is always good to have a set of anatomical morphometric parameters of the menisci like the width and thickness. The measurements of suitable grafts may provide a more acceptable meniscal replacement in the future.

Morgagni hernia is an uncommon type of congenital hernia that is rarely diagnosed antenatally. Herniation of the liver into the fluid-filled pericardial sac resulting in a thoracic mass is a particularly rare form of Morgagni hernia; only 3 cases have been reported in the literature, all with a diagnosis made at 32 weeks' gestation or later. We report a case of Morgagni hernia diagnosed on antenatal sonography at 24 weeks' gestation.

Background: Coracoid process is a part of scapula and plays an important role in shoulder function. It arises from the antero-lateral aspect of the scapula. The aim of our study is to record the various morphometric parameters of the coracoid process.Methods: The study was performed on 50 pairs of human scapula of known sex in Department of Anatomy at PGIMS Rohtak. The parameters recorded were length, breadth, thickness, height and types of coraco-glenoid space by using vernier calipers. These parameters were compared in both sexes on both the sides.Results: Type I (round bracket) coraco-glenoid space was found to be predominant. Statistically significant difference was noted in all four parameters between males and females except in thickness on right side. Though all the four parameters have higher values on right side in comparison to left side but the difference was statistically insignificant.Conclusions: The study provides valuable information regarding the role of these parameters in etiology of subcoracoid impingement syndrome which will be helpful in its management to the surgeons.

Background: Biliary ductal region being frequently abnormal has been the subject of research since long time for anatomists, surgeons and radiologists as well.Methods: The present study was carried out in the department of Anatomy at PGIMS, Rohtak on 50 specimens of liver taken unblock with associated structures.Results: Accessory hepatic and accessory cystic ducts were observed in 4% cases each.  2% cases exhibited abnormal low fusion of cystic duct with common hepatic duct.Conclusions: These anomalies may add to postoperative complications if ignored. Present study is a step in the direction of creating awareness about these variations among the clinicians.