Sree Uthradom Thirunal

Department of Anatomy

Human anatomy is the study of the structure of human body. In Greek, the word Anatomy means 'cutting up' because knowledge of anatomy was obtained through dissection. Gross anatomy is the structure of human body as seen by the naked eyes.

Histology is the microscopic anatomy, the study of human body at cellular level. Embryology is the study of development of human embryo into a fully developed human body.

The knowledge of the human body's gross anatomy and structure is essential to understand its functions in health and disease.

This science is learned in the dissection hall by 'cutting up' to understand the gross anatomy of the organs and their relation with other structures. The underlying microscopic structure is studied in the Histology Lab. The science of Anatomy is also learned from skeletons, specimens, models, clinical photographs and X-rays in the Anatomy Museum. Top

*Department of Physiology* Physio = Normal Functioning; Ology = Knowledge of Study Physiology deals with the multitudes of physio chemical reactions that maintain the constancy of internal environment of the body, 'The Milieu Interieor', the term that was introduced by Claude Bernard, the well known French physiologist during 19th century.
Human physiology is the study of the normal functioning of human body. It is the basis of medicine; medical students should acquire a sound knowledge of this subject without which it would not be possible to understand abnormal function in disease. On completion of the Pre Clinical Course, the student is expected to possess a comprehensive knowledge of the subject of physiology including its clinical applications.
	Biophysics is the physics of the biological systems of human body. Various kinds of laboratory experiments and exercises help the students to study this complex subject. There are four laboratories in the department. In the Haematology Laboratory, the nature and function of blood components are studied; in the Amphibian and Mammalian laboratories, the functions of muscles, nerves, cardiovascular system, etc. are studied, in the Clinical Physiology Laboratory, various clinical applications are taught. A good department library and well equipped Research Laboratory provide facilities for research, for students and staff. Top

Community Medicine

The preventive and community medicine deals with preventive aspects of medical practice and organisation of health care at the community level.

An introduction to Preventive and Community Medicine would be given during the first year itself. This would comprise of formal lectures and visits to health centres. The early patient contact programmes would enable students to appreciate medical practice at community level.