Department of Anatomy
About Us
- To provide comprehensive knowledge of gross structure, microscopic structure and development of human body necessary to understand the anatomical basis for the disease presentations and various interventional methods
To study -
- The various organ systems to understand the normal disposition and topography
- The microscopic structure
- The normal sequence of development
- The developmental basis of major variations and congenital anomalies
- Anatomical basis of common clinical procedures
- To inculcate research aptitude in students
- M.C.I. recognized postgraduate (M.D.) department with 18 M.D. Anatomy graduates and numerous M.Sc. Medical Anatomy alumni to date.
- Qualified and well-experienced faculty members trained in Medical Education Technology.
- Spans an entire fourth-floor area of 1,700 sq. meters, featuring a spacious dissection hall with an attached embalming facility and complete dissection equipment.
- Well-equipped Histology practical hall with dedicated, separate U.G. and P.G. laboratories.
- Classrooms and demonstration rooms equipped with modern ICT facilities.
- Abundant teaching materials, including bones, specimens, histology slides, and embryology models.
- In-house bone retrieval via maceration technique, supporting a dedicated Bone Bank and a unique Bone Library facility for students.
- State-of-the-art museum containing systematically arranged and catalogued specimens and models with QR codes for quick access to detailed information.
- Department library stocked with textbooks, reference books, journals, and high-speed internet access.
- Active encouragement for both faculty and students to present research work at national and state conferences.
- Faculty actively present lectures, lead symposia, and conduct workshops across International, National, and State level conferences.
- Implementation of the CBME curriculum (since 2019) emphasizing learner-centric instruction with key features:
- Foundation Course
- Competency-based outcomes
- Early Clinical Exposure (ECE) in departmental and hospital environments
- Alignment and integration of teaching and learning
- Continuous skill development throughout the curriculum
- Modernized assessment methods
- AETCOM (Attitude, Ethics, and Communication) integration
- Self-Directed Learning (SDL)
- Elective offerings for interested undergraduate students
Head of Department's Message
Welcome to the Department of Anatomy It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you to the Department of Anatomy, a vibrant academic department committed to excellence in medical education, research, innovation, and service. Since its establishment in 1989, the department has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of modern medical education while preserving the timeless importance of anatomical sciences as the foundation of clinical practice.
Recognized by the National Medical Commission for undergraduate and postgraduate education, our department is dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy through an integrated study of gross anatomy, histology, embryology, neuroanatomy, and applied clinical anatomy. Our primary goal is to develop competent, compassionate, and scientifically oriented medical professionals who appreciate the anatomical basis of health, disease, and clinical interventions.
Spread across over 1,700 square meters, the department offers an excellent academic environment with a spacious dissection hall, an attached embalming facility, well-equipped undergraduate and postgraduate histology laboratories, ICT-enabled classrooms, demonstration rooms, and a rich collection of anatomical teaching resources. Our state-of-the-art museum houses systematically arranged specimens and models integrated with QR code technology, enabling students to access digital learning resources and detailed information at their convenience. The department also takes pride in its unique Bone Bank and Bone Library, established through scientific bone retrieval techniques, providing students with invaluable opportunities for self-directed and hands-on learning.
Our experienced and highly qualified faculty members are trained in Medical Education Technology and are deeply committed to learner-centered teaching. The department has successfully implemented the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum with emphasis on early clinical exposure, integrated teaching, skill development, AETCOM, self-directed learning, and electives that prepare students for the evolving healthcare landscape. Alongside teaching, we actively promote research culture among undergraduate and postgraduate students, encouraging scientific inquiry, innovation, and participation in national and international conferences.
As we look towards the future, our vision is to transform the department into a Centre of Excellence in Anatomical Sciences by integrating traditional anatomical education with cutting-edge technology. We aspire to establish a state-of-the-art Cadaveric Skills and Surgical Anatomy Laboratory equipped with advanced audiovisual systems, simulation technologies, digital dissection resources, and facilities for multidisciplinary procedural training. This center will serve as a platform for undergraduate learning, postgraduate skill enhancement, surgical workshops, and continuing medical education, fostering collaboration between anatomists, surgeons, radiologists, and allied health professionals.
A major milestone in our future roadmap is the establishment of an advanced Plastination Laboratory. This facility will enable the preservation of whole organs, sectional specimens, and vascular corrosion casts using modern plastination techniques, creating durable, high-quality teaching resources for anatomy education. The plastination laboratory will also support interdisciplinary research, facilitate the development of indigenous anatomical models, and contribute to national resource sharing through workshops, faculty development programs, and collaborative research projects. By combining anatomical preservation with innovation, we aim to preserve invaluable anatomical heritage while creating world-class educational resources for future generations.
At the Department of Anatomy, we believe that excellence in anatomy education extends beyond the classroom. Our commitment is to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, professionalism, and lifelong learning while embracing innovation and research. We invite students, faculty, clinicians, researchers, and collaborators to join us in our journey towards redefining anatomy education and advancing healthcare through excellence in teaching, research, and service.
Courses Offered
| Course | Subject / Specialization | Topics / Areas of Focus |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS | Anatomy | — |
| MD (Anatomy) | Anatomy | Gross Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, Histology, Embryology, Applied anatomy |
| MSc Anatomy (Medical) | Anatomy | — |
| PhD | Anatomy | — |
- I.Physiotherapy
- II.B.Sc. Nursing
- III.BSc skills
- IV.Audiology and Speech Language Pathology
- V. Fellowship in Fetal Medicine
Infrastructure
- Dissection Hall:
A spacious, well-ventilated, and meticulously maintained facility that comfortably accommodates up to 250 students. It features ample seating for both students and faculty, modern dissection tables with integrated cadaver sinks, and advanced audiovisual equipment to enhance learning.
- Demonstration Rooms:
Three dedicated demonstration rooms equipped with modern audiovisual devices and comfortable seating arrangements to facilitate interactive teaching.
- Bone Bank:
With genuine human bones becoming increasingly difficult to source, our department has introduced an innovative solution. We assemble and prepare complete bone sets to rent out to students, ensuring they gain invaluable, hands-on learning experience with authentic skeletal specimens.
- Bone Library:
To keep learning seamless, we run a convenient "Bone Library" for those times when students forget to bring their study materials to tutorials. Students can easily borrow the required bones for their class and return them to the department immediately afterward.
- Soft Embalming:
Our department utilizes "Soft Embalming," an advanced preservation technique designed for high-fidelity medical education and surgical training. Unlike traditional formalin methods—which leave tissues rigid, discolored, and chemically harsh—soft embalming maintains lifelike tissue flexibility, natural color, and joint mobility, completely eliminating the use of carcinogenic formaldehyde.
- Histology Laboratory:
A bright, airy, and spacious lab equipped with an adequate number of high-quality microscopes for 250 students. It features a specialized digital display microscope that projects magnified images for better conceptual clarity. Beautifully illustrated charts are also displayed throughout the laboratory for quick student reference.
- Museum:
A sprawling museum housing approximately 315 formalin-mounted specimens neatly organized in well-designed racks. Notably, each specimen features an innovative QR code, allowing students and visitors to instantly scan and access detailed anatomical information.
- Anatomage Table:
The crown jewel of the department is our state-of-the-art Anatomage table. This virtual dissection platform allows students to dissect digitally without exposure to formalin odors. Users can cut, rotate, and strip away layers such as skin, muscle, and bone to reveal intricate vascular, nervous, and organ systems. It features life-sized digital cadavers built from real human data (not artistic renderings) and includes a massive archive of actual CT and MRI pathology datasets for comprehensive, comparative diagnostic training.
- Faculty & Staff Infrastructure:
- Teaching Faculty:
Provided with spacious, individual rooms equipped with dedicated computers and high-speed internet.
- Administrative Staff:
Department clerks operate out of a well-equipped office with sufficient computers and printing facilities.
- Support Staff:
Dissection hall attendants have a dedicated private lunch and rest area.
- Teaching Faculty:
Research and Publications
| Sr. No. | Title of paper | Name(s) of author(s) | Name of journal | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Impact of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of First-Year MBBS Students Toward Body and Organ Donation | Dr Kirti Solanke | International Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Research | 2026 |
| 2 | Undescended Ampullary Caecum in the Right Lumbar Region: Case Report of a Rare Cadaveric Presentation | Dr Nimish Sharma, Dr Shilpa Gosavi | Journal of Chemical Health Risks | 2026 |
| 3 | Medical students' perspective on utility of Bone library: A cross-sectional study | Dr. Shilpa Gosavi | Journal of Chemical Health Risks | 2026 |
| 4 | Assessment of Effect of School Bag Weight on Postural and Musculoskeletal Health: A Comparative Study across Different Educational Boards in Western Maharashtra | Shruti Prashant Deshpande, Shweta Shankarrao Thorat | Journal of the Anatomical Society of India | 2026 |
| 5 | The morphometric study and sites of attachments of anterior cruciate ligament: a cadaveric study | Balu G Londhe, Shilpa Gosavi | International Journal of Medicine and Public Health | 2025 |
| 6 | Exploring the anatomical dimensions of spinous process of human adult lumbar spine–an observational Indian population based study | Balu G Londhe, Ganesh B Khemnar | International Journal of Medicine and Public Health | 2025 |
| 7 | Perception of medical students on the bone library in a medical college | Dr Shilpa Gosavi | Anatomical Science Education | 2025 |
| 8 | Learning styles and preferences in gross anatomy: a cross-sectional study of indian medical students | Dr. Maitreyee Mutalik, Dr Shilpa Gosavi | Int J Med Pub Health | 2025 |
| 9 | Assessing Knowledge, attitude and awareness about sarcopenia in adult population | Dr Shilpa gosavi, Dr Shweta Thorat, Shraddha Thorat | Anatomical Science Education | 2025 |
| 10 | Arm Length and Height Relationship in Young Indian Adults: A Correlation and Regression Analysis | Dr Aparna Joshi, Dr Shweta Thorat | Advances in Human Biology | 2025 |
| 11 | Gender Differences in the Relationship between Forearm Length and Height across Different Age Groups: A Correlation and Regression Analysis | Dr Aparna Joshi, Dr Shweta Thorat | Advances in Human Biology | 2025 |
| 12 | Morphometric Evaluation of Orbital Dimensions and Orbital Index in Adult Dry Human Skulls of Western India: A Descriptive Osteometric Study | Sukanya Gade, Dr Vidya Kharat, Dr Shweta Thorat | International Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Research | 2025 |
| 13 | Assessing Incidence and Variations of Accessary Renal Arteries Pertaining to Origin, Branching and patterns of segmentation : A Cross sectional Study | Shrinivas S. Londhe, Balu G. Londhe, Medha G Puranik | Walawalkar International Medical Journal | 2024 |
Collaboration
The Department of Anatomy strongly promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in academics, research, and skill development.
We collaborate with the Department of Anatomy of the affiliated Ayurved College to organize national-level workshops on plastination, fostering innovation in anatomical preservation and education.
Regular multidisciplinary surgical anatomy workshops are conducted in collaboration with the Departments of Anaesthesiology, Orthopaedics, and General Surgery to enhance clinically oriented anatomical learning and procedural skills.
The department also actively collaborates with the Dental College, College of Physiotherapy, and the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology for research projects addressing clinically relevant anatomical and translational research questions.
To strengthen postgraduate education, we maintain academic collaborations with other medical colleges through inter-college seminars, postgraduate training programmes, journal clubs, and scientific exchange activities, providing learners with broader academic exposure and opportunities for collaborative learning.
Extension Activities
- To fulfil the social commitment, the department has a ‘voluntary body donation drive’ Programme that includes – forms for the same are available on the college website.
- 24 X 7 availability of Body Donation facility including free ambulance and mortuary facility
- After pledging for body donation by filling up the ‘Body donation form’ Body donation card with all the relevant required information is given to the donors.
- ‘Body donation certificate’ is presented to the relatives of the deceased.
- Faculty participates in various awareness campaigns and talks on ‘body donation’ arranged in various ‘senior citizen forums’ in Pune city. We work in collaboration with various NGOs.
- Write -ups in Local newspapers that have resulted into a large number of donated bodies received in the Department for educational purpose and added to the teaching material of the department.
Awards & Achievements
| Sr. No. | Name of First Author / Patentee | Names of Co-Authors / Patentees Involved | Patent Number | Title of the Patent | Date of Award of Patent | Published / Granted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ms. Komal Nale | Dr Shilpa Gosavi, Dr Shrish Raut | LD-20260185754 | Correlation of clinical pelvimetry with external pelvimetry to predict contracted pelvis during third trimester of pregnancy. | 20/04/2026 | Published |
| 2 | Dr. Balu Londhe | Dr. Shilpa Gosavi | LD-18213/2025-CO | Preclinical elective for CBME batch | 25/08/2025 | Published |
| 3 | Dr. Kirti Solanke | Dr. Shilpa Gosavi | LD-2026184493 | "Elective :Hands on Learning Surgical skills-Recalling Basic Anatomy" | 30/01/2026 | Published |
| 4 | Dr. Shweta Thorat | Dr. Shilpa Gosavi | L- 160724/2025 | QUESTIONNAIRE: STUDY OF ANATOMY WITH ANATOMAGE TABLE-STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE | 13/02/2025 | Published |
| 5 | Atul Kherde | Atul Kherde, Dr. Shilpa Gosavi | LD-201922049774 | Device for passive exercise for human leg | 03/08/2017 | Published |
| Sr. No. | Name | Designation | Date of Award | Name of the Award / Fellowship Received | Level (Local / State / National / International) | Name of the Awarding Agency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Shilpa Gosavi | Professor | 13-Mar-26 | Best App- Health education material | Local | RESCON |
| 2 | Ankita Shinde | PG | 13-Mar-26 | 1ST Rank for Model Making App Category | Local | RESCON - 21 |
| 3 | Komal Nale | Tutor | 20-Feb-26 | 1st Rank for poster presentation | State | MAHACON-8 |
| 4 | Neha Hadape | PG | 20-Feb-26 | 1st Rank for poster presentation | State | MAHACON-8 |
| 5 | Ankita Shinde | PG | 20-Feb-26 | 1st Rank for poster presentation | State | MAHACON-8 |
| 6 | Dr. Shilpa Gosavi | Professor | 01-Jul-23 | Outstanding researcher award | International | ASTRA 2023 |
Innovative Teaching Learning
In addition to the conventional teaching learning methods, various pedagogical approaches have been used in the Department of Anatomy.
Cadaveric Oath: To emphasize the respect for the donors and as a gratitude towards donor families the Cadaveric oath ceremony is conducted on the first day of dissection for every batch. Cadaveric dissection is the most important part in Anatomy learning. In a way cadaver becomes a teacher for the newly admitted MBBS students. It helps to inculcate in them a respect towards the people who have donated their bodies for the greater purpose of anatomy education for the future doctors.
Digital platforms: In the current digital era, we also use different digital platforms. The students are provided with a ‘Complete Anatomy App’ which provides 3D anatomy models, videos and cross-sectional anatomy images to improve the special understanding. It also gives facility to do virtual dissection and radiological integration. It is a 24x7 anatomy guide available to them. The students have sessions to study on Anatomage table (Life size 3D interactive virtual dissection system). VR glasses are also available for the students for immersive experience.
Anatomy models and poster competitions: The students are encouraged to make models or posters of different anatomy topics, where they can couple anatomy knowledge with their creativity. Students present their models in the Annual Research conference –RESCON every year.
Flipped classrooms: Through LMS required study material in the form of Anatomy PPTs or Notes or Audio/video files is regularly shared with the students for self-study. It facilitates the students to learn the topics with their own pace and also stimulates the active learning. Flipped classrooms are conducted for the small groups.
Simulation Laboratory: A state of art simulation lab is the pride for our institute. Right from first year students visit the Simulation lab regularly to learn the anatomical basis of common surgical procedures. Sessions in the simulation lab help the students to apply their knowledge of anatomy in different procedures and also prepare them for the real life situations.
Problem-based-learning: Students are future doctors. To learn the application of knowledge of basic sciences, Problem based learning is essential. Clinical problems are regularly shared and the anatomical basis is discussed with the students. This reinforces the anatomy and gives confidence to the students.
Seminars: Preparing and presenting a topic in front of class help the students to develop deeper understanding of the topic, presentation skills and confidence.
Research: Every year many undergraduate students take part in short term research projects. They also present their work at various state and National conferences. As a part of curriculum postgraduate students are involved in various research activities.
Paper/ poster presentations: Undergraduate and postgraduate students are encouraged to present papers or posters in various conferences. Many under-graduate and post-graduate students have achieved awards for the same.
Best Practices
Phenoxytol used for cadaver preservation, produces an odourless, non-pungent environment that significantly improves the dissection experience for students and faculty. It does not have any carcinogenic effects and eye irritation.
Phenoxytol has maintained tissue pliability and life-like joint mobility in preserved cadavers as compared to formalin. Positive feedback is obtained from students and faculty regarding pleasant smell and preservative properties.
During first year of medical education students are not directly exposed to the patients. Correlation of basic science subjects like Anatomy with the real life clinical situations makes it relevant, interesting and emphasizes the importance of the subject.
Finding appropriate clinical vignette every week, discussing it with the students and making them understand its importance needs lot of planning.
First year Medical students have to dissect the donated cadavers as a part of learning Anatomy.
To create a respect for the cadavers and alleviate the fear from the minds of young students is an important step in the journey of medical education.
The activity is conducted to emphasize the empathy and gratitude in the minds of students.