BACKGROUNDThe sinoatrial nodal artery is anatomically significant because it is the landmark for the identification of the sinoatrial node (SA node), which is the natural pacemaker of heart. Origin of the SA nodal artery is highly variable. Its close relation with the atrium may lead to iatrogenic injury and ischaemia to SA node causing arrhythmias.The aim of the present study is to assess the normal anatomy and variations of SA nodal artery by studying the number, origin, course, length and distance of its origin from the ostium of parent artery. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis descriptive study was done on 75 embalmed hearts stored in the Department of Anatomy at Government Medical College, Kottayam, during the period 2016 -2017. Any heart with clearly visible abnormalities was excluded from the study. Dissection was carried out as follows-The pericardium was stripped off. RCA, LCA and their branches to SA node were dissected from their origin to termination. The number, point of origin and course of SA nodal artery were studied. The length and distance of origin from the ostium of parent artery were measured with the help of a measuring scale. RESULTSIn the study, the artery to SA node was single in 70 hearts (93.33%). Double SA nodal artery was noted in 5 hearts (6.67%). In 60 hearts, it originated from RCA (80%), in 9 hearts from circumflex branch of LCA (12%). In one heart SA nodal artery took origin from left coronary artery, where the artery trifurcated into circumflex, left anterior descending and SA nodal. Precaval course was the most common (60%). CONCLUSIONA thorough knowledge of anatomy and variations of the artery would help cardiologists to take necessary precautions to prevent ischaemia of the SA node, atrial walls and atrial septum.

BACKGROUND Variations in arterial system of upper limb is common. Branching pattern of brachial artery and their variations are very important in clinical practice. Surgical procedures in upper limb and cardiac intervention procedures require thorough knowledge of arterial system. It is also important for nephrologists to fix fistula in patients with chronic renal failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study is aimed at enumerating possible variations in termination of brachial artery. The study was done in 44 upper limbs. The length of brachial artery, branches particularly the terminal branches were examined and variations were recorded. There were 6 cases of higher bifurcation of brachial artery. RESULTS Out of 44 specimens studied, 38 showed normal division of brachial artery. Anomalous high division was noted in 6 cases. CONCLUSION Among six cases of high division of brachial artery, one was superficial brachial artery and rest were high origin of radial artery. Embryologic basis of variations are discussed in this study.

BACKGROUNDNeural tube defects are one of the commonest cause of congenital malformations, which affects 4.5 per 1000 total births in India. 1 These defects occur due to abnormal neurulation during embryogenesis. Neural tube defects (NTD) are grouped into upper NTD and lower NTD. Upper NTDs are more severe than lower NTDs and these may cause spontaneous abortion, death in utero and perinatal deaths. The foetuses with NTDs show congenital malformations of other organs. Among these cardiovascular, genitourinary and musculoskeletal anomalies are most common.This study aims at examining severity of neural tube defects and associated congenital malformations in intrauterine dead and stillborn foetuses. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis cross-sectional study was done in 50 foetuses. Among fifty foetuses, 13 IUD babies with visible NTDs were selected for this study. Gross external and internal examination of the foetuses were done. RESULTSAmong fifty foetuses, thirteen were affected by NTD. Craniorachischisis was the commonest anomaly (9 foetuses, 69.23%) followed by cranioschisis (2 foetuses, 15.38%). One foetus had occipital encephalocele and another one had hydrocephalus with meningomyelocele. Some associated malformations like adrenal hypoplasia, Meckel's Diverticulum, persistent truncus and double ureters were noted. The associated anomalies were explained on embryological basis. CONCLUSIONFormation of neural tube is a complex process. Defects in its formation can lead to abnormality in development of the nervous system. It also can affect the development of other systems in our body.