BACKGROUND: Fusion of consecutive vertebral segments results in block vertebrae or vertebral synostosis or spinal fusion. The fusion may be complete or incomplete involving the bodies of the vertebrae alone or along with vertebral arch. It affects most commonly the cervical region, followed by thoracic and lumbar regions. AIM: The present study was aimed to assess the incidence of block vertebrae in south Indian population. METHODS AND MATERIAL: We examined a total of 2400 fully ossified dried vertebrae collected for a period of 4 years in Department of Anatomy, Dr. VRK Women's Medical College. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed 6 different specimens of block vertebrae, with 4 cervical, 1 cervico-thoracic and 1 thoracic vertebral synostosis. The features of these block vertebrae were analysed in detail and photographed from different aspects. The total incidence of block vertebrae was found to be 0.25%. The embryological significance and clinical implications of block vertebrae at various levels have been discussed in this paper.

The Wormian bones/Sutural bones are defined as those accidental or intercalated bones found among the sutures of the neurocranium having no regular relation to their normal ossific centers. The present study mainly aims at the number, location of these wormian bones in the adult human skulls of Telangana. The knowledge of Sutural bones is essential for the radiologists and neuro surgeons in there clinical practice. Materials and Methods: About 40 dry human skulls were collected from the department of Anatomy. 71 dry human skulls were collected from the MBBS Students. Total of 111 dry adult human skulls were examined meticulously for the presence of wormian bones. In respect to their location and number. After the collection of the data it was tabulated and statistically analysed. Results: According to the present study the incidence of wormian bones was 59 out of 111 adult skulls. The maximum number of wormian bones at lambdoid suture 59 [25 right, 34 left; 53.15%]. The wormian bones were also seen at lambda 9 [8.10%], Pterion 2 [2 right, 0 left; 1.80% ], Asterion 3 [1 right, 2 left; 2.7.%], Parieto Temporal suture 5[3 right, 2 left; 4.5%], Occipitomastoid suture 1 [0 right, 1 left; 0.90%], sagittal suture 1 [0.90%], bregma 1 [0.90%]. In the present study we could not find any wormian bones near Coronal suture. Conclusion: The present study proves the occurrence of wormian bones in the human skulls is common at the lambdoid suture. Also they may occur in combination at different sites and at different sutures. The knowledge of their existence is essential to the radiologists during the reporting radiographs in head injuries of skull involving fractures and neuro surgeons while performing craniotomies.

Background and Aims: The complete classical fissures of the lung hold the lobes together only at the hilum, enabling the lobes to move on each other during respiration. The position of the fissures can be used as reliable land marks in specifying the pathological lesions in the lungs. The present study is conducted on the lung specimens for better understanding of the morphology of their fissures and lobes. Also to compare the variations present with the previous studies, and to correlate with the possible clinical implications. Materials and Methods: In the present study thirty pairs of lungs were used that were obtained from the formalin fixed cadavers. All the specimens were meticulously observed for the patterns of the lobes and fissures. All the variations were noted and pictures were taken. Results: thirty pairs of lungs were studied. 14(46.67%) right sided lung specimens and 22(73.33%) left sided lung specimens showed fissures and lobes according to the standard description of anatomy text books. 16 (53.33%) right sided lung specimens and 8(26.67%) left sided lung specimens showed variant pattern of fissures and lobes. 2 (6.66%)right sided lungs showed Incomplete oblique fissure. 3 (10%) right sided lungs showed absence of horizontal fissure and 7 (23.33%) showed incomplete horizontal fissures. 3 (10%) lungs showed Presence of accessory fissures. 6 (20%) left sided lung specimens showed incomplete oblique fissure and 2 (6.66%) showed accessory fissures. Conclusion: The results of the present study and their comparison with the earlier studies clearly shows that there is a wide range of difference in the occurrence of accessory fissures, major and minor fissures between and among different populations. Prior awareness of the existence of incomplete major fissures or their absence, and the presence of accessory fissures of the lungs is an essential prerequisite for the C.T. surgeons planning for segmental resections or lobectomies, the pulmonologists diagnosing and the Radiologists reporting the chest radio graphs, horacic C.T. and M.R.I. scans.

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