Programme 01150 / 150 ADMITTED
MBBS
Undergraduate · Phase I Curriculum
Seats permitted150
Structured exposure to gross anatomy, histology, and embryology with integrated clinical correlates from Day 1.
Department of Anatomy
Established in 1999, the Department of Anatomy is dedicated to excellence in human anatomical education and research, integrating traditional dissection with advanced AR-VR technology and pioneering plastination techniques.
The Department of Anatomy at AVMCH is dedicated to providing high-quality training in all branches of human anatomy. We adopt a student-centric approach, utilizing audiovisual-assisted lectures, small group discussions, and integrated teaching to build the foundation of medical excellence.
200 MBBS seats / yr
3 PG seats / yr
8 PhD seats permitted
Department
The foundation of modern medical education.
Anatomy at AVMCH blends traditional dissection with immersive AR-VR technology and pioneering plastination to provide a world-class structural education.
The Department of Anatomy is committed to providing high-quality education and training in all branches of human anatomy for undergraduate and postgraduate students, in accordance with NMC guidelines. The department adopts a combination of traditional teaching methods and modern, student-centric approaches, including audiovisual-assisted lectures, small group discussions, and integrated teaching. It fulfills all essential requirements for medical education and contributes to continuous quality improvement in teaching, learning, and research.
Our postgraduate and doctoral programs (MS/MD and PhD) offer specialized training in Clinical and Applied Anatomy, Neurosciences, and Cytogenetics. The department features a dedicated research laboratory and specialized units such as the AR-VR Lab, Plastination Unit, and Anthropometric Lab. We maintain an active voluntary body donation program ensuring a consistent supply of cadavers for anatomical training and advanced surgical skill workshops.
The department provides advanced infrastructure for learning, including one of Puducherry's finest Anatomy Museums and well-equipped histology laboratories. Our teaching-learning facilities provide access to high-quality histological slides, clinically relevant radiographs, and CT scans. Specialized units like the Plastination Unit create durable, odorless specimens for long-term study, while the AR-VR Lab offers immersive 3D visualization of human structures.
The department maintains a well-equipped dissection hall, histology labs, and a state-of-the-art AR-VR lab for immersive learning.
Faculty and postgraduate students actively engage in clinical and applied anatomy research, supported by our voluntary body donation program.
Research Focus
Research Focus · Clinical Variations, Neuroanatomy & Cytogenetics
Outreach
Outreach · Body Donation Program · AR-VR Demos
Building structural knowledge.
Academic Programmes
Programme 023 / 3 ADMITTED
MS/MD Anatomy
Postgraduate · 3-year specialty
Seats permitted3
Advanced training in cadaveric dissection, neuroanatomy, molecular biology, and research methodology.
Programme 031 ONGOING · 4 COMPLETED SINCE 2020
PhD Anatomy
Doctoral · Research programme
Seats permitted8
Doctoral research across clinical and applied anatomy, cytogenetics, and histology, supported by the department's research laboratory and plastination unit.
Head of Department
Pioneering anatomical education.
The department is led by Dr. T. Rajan, a recipient of the Life Time Education Achievement Award and an expert in clinical anatomy.
Dr. T. Rajan
Professor & Head · MD, PhD Anatomy
An expert in plastination and clinical anatomy, Dr. T. Rajan leads the department's modernization through AR-VR and advanced preservation techniques. He has multiple publications in high-impact journals and is a recognized leader in basic medical sciences.
Is this department right for you?
Who should visit Anatomy?
Dissection Hall
Capacity for 300 students with 30 large and 5 small cadaver tables and advanced AV-assisted demonstration aids.
Anatomy Museum
Recognized as one of the best in Puducherry, featuring 300+ wet/dry specimens and embryology models.
AR-VR Exploration
Immersive 3D environment for visualizing human anatomy and performing simulated dissections.
Plastination Unit
Revolutionary technique creating odorless, durable specimens for clinical and research study.
Research Facilities
Equipped for histological, cytogenetic, and anthropometric research with active faculty and PG involvement.
Special Labs
Specialized Embryology and Anthropometric labs for studying developmental and physical human variations.
Insurance & Schemes
CMCHIS – Chief Minister's Scheme
PM-JAY / Ayushman Bharat
ESI – Employees' State Insurance
CGHS – Central Govt. Scheme
Star Health / New India Assurance
ICICI Lombard & Major TPAs
AVMCH Institutional Welfare Scheme
Faculty
Dedicated educators and researchers.
5 qualified professionals committed to clinical excellence.
Research · Thrust Areas
Structural science as applied research.
Clinical & Applied Anatomy
Anatomical variations and their implications in surgery and diagnostic imaging (CT/MRI).
Neurosciences
Structural organization of the nervous system and functional correlations with clinical disorders.
Histology & Cellular Biology
Light microscopic studies of tissues, tissue response to physiological and pathological change, and advanced histological and staining techniques.
Cytogenetics & Molecular Anatomy
Chromosomal abnormalities and congenital disorders, karyotyping and genetic screening, and the molecular basis of structural and developmental anomalies.
Cadaveric & Surgical Anatomy
Cadaver-based training and skill development, the anatomical basis of surgical approaches, and preservation techniques and body donation awareness.
Anthropometry & Forensic Anatomy
Population-based morphometric studies, age, sex and stature estimation, and applications in forensic identification.
Embryology & Developmental Biology
Normal and abnormal human development.
Medical Education Technology (MET)
Innovative teaching–learning methods, digital tools, simulation and e-learning in anatomy education, and assessment under competency-based medical education (CBME).
Scientific Excellence
Current Research Projects
The department focuses on Clinical and Applied Anatomy, Neurosciences, and Cytogenetics with active intramural and extramural funding.
Research Snapshot
10 projects since 2023 8 thrust areas
Intramural & extramural support
| # | Project | PI | Funding | Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Anatomical variations of the extensor tendons over the dorsum of the hand | Dr. T. Rajan | Self-Funded | Clinical Anatomy | Ongoing |
| 02 | Interstitium is an Organ – Histochemical study | Mr. K. Sridhar | Extramural | Histology | Completed |
| 03 | Dermatoglyphics and its importance in precancerous and cancerous lesion | Dr. T. Rajan | Self-Funded | Clinical Anatomy | Completed |
| 04 | Characterization of oral cancer cell line Hep2: Targeted EGFR modulation | Dr. Hemavardhini R | Intramural | Molecular Anatomy | Ongoing |
| 05 | Effects of Allium Sativum on PCOS in female albino rats | Mrs. G. Sowmiya | Self-Funded | Histology | Ongoing |
| 06 | Morphology and morphometrical analysis of the anterior cruciate ligament in the adult human cadaveric knee | Dr. Jeffi Jerome (Postgraduate) | Nil | Cadaveric Anatomy | Completed |
| 07 | Neck-shaft angle and torsion angle of the adult human femur — an osteological study | Dr. Tokpam Rolinda (Postgraduate) | Nil | Osteology | Completed |
| 08 | Morphological and morphometric study of adult human dry lumbar vertebrae | Dr. Vimalananth J (Postgraduate) | Nil | Osteology | Completed |
| 09 | Morphological and morphometric evaluation of the sacral hiatus in dry bone and 3D reconstructed CT images | Dr. Shree Ranjany (Postgraduate) | Nil | Applied Anatomy | Ongoing |
| 10 | Histomorphological, biochemical and molecular analysis of short- and long-term stress-induced kidney of Swiss albino male mice | Dr. Leelavathy (Postgraduate) | Nil | Histology | Ongoing |
Scholarly Impact
Selected Research Publications
Dermatoglyphics and its importance in precancerous and cancerous lesion
Int J Life Sci Pharma Res, 2023
Vinothini G, Elavarasi E, et al. (including Dr. T. Rajan)
Perception and attitude of medical students on human anatomy dissection (online streaming)
Int J Life Sci Pharma Res, 2023
Prithiviraj N, Vinothini G, et al. (Corresponding: Dr. T. Rajan)
Morphological variations of the lumbricals in adult cadaveric hand
Clin of Diagn Res, 2023
Sudagar M, Bavithra B, Prithiviraj N
Structural and Functional Dynamics of Extracellular Matrix of the Skin
Journal of Medical Sciences, Vol 2, Issue 12
Sridhar K, Dr. T. Rajan, et al.
Factors associated with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination acceptance among university students from India during the post-pandemic phase
BMC Infectious Disease, 11.205, 2011
Padmanaban S Suresh, Venkatesh Thejaswini, Thangarasu Rajan
Psychosocial determinants of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine acceptability among Indian health-care workers during the post-pandemic phase
Journal of Infection, 2012
Padmanaban S. Suresh, Thangarasu Rajan, Venkatesh Thejaswini, Rajagopal Rajeshkannan
New targets for old hormones: inhibins clinical role revisited
Endocrine Journal, 58(4), 223–235, 2011
Padmanaban S. Suresh, Thangarasu Rajan, Rie Tsutsumi
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes that are common targets of luteotropin and luteolysin in primate corpus luteum: computational exploration
Gene, 511, 353–357, 2012
Padmanaban S. Suresh, Thejaswini Venkatesh, Thangarasu Rajan
Molecular Pathology and Therapy of Endometriosis: Revisited
Androl Gynecol: Curr Res, 1:3, 2013
Padmanaban S Suresh, Thejaswini Venkatesh, Thangarasu Rajan, Rie Tsutsumi
First year medical student's performance analysis in anatomy with different modes of teaching: an experience of a medical school in South India
National Journal of Clinical Anatomy, 2(1), 31–34, 2013
Thangarasu Rajan, Atul M Bage
Plastination-Advanced Technique to Preserve Specimens in Medical Colleges
Futuristic Trends in Medical Sciences, Vol 3 (Book Chapter) · e-ISBN 978-93-6252-225-2
Dr. T. Rajan
Learning Infrastructure
Advanced Labs & Facilities
Dissection Hall
300 Capacity
30 large and 5 small cadaver tables, an ante-room with lockers and washbasins, and AV aids with battery backup and LCD projection for specimen demonstration.
Histology Lab
75 Capacity
Equipped with computer-assisted microscopes and TV demos for high-quality slide study.
Anatomy Museum
Best in Class
Features 300+ wet/dry specimens, rotational X-ray view boxes, and embryology models.
AR-VR Lab
Immersive
Uses 3D technology for interactive visualization and spatial exploration of human structures.
Plastination Unit
Specimen Preservation
Durable, odorless anatomical specimens created using advanced polymer replacement techniques.
Anthropometric Lab
Proportion Study
Used for human body dimension measurements for forensic and clinical growth assessments.
Philosophy
Anatomy · AVMCH
“Structural excellence in medical education — blending traditional dissection with immersive digital exploration.
Department of Anatomy, AVMCH & Hospital
Excellence
Awards & Recognition
Life Time Education Achievement Award
Dr. T. Rajan
National & International Compendium, New Delhi, 2023
Dr. M. M. Cooper Memorial Award
Dr. T. Rajan
Association of Anatomists, Chennai
Best Paper: Adult Hand Cadaveric Study
Jodhpur
3rd National Annual Conference of Society of Medical Anatomists, 2026
Academic Hub
Conferences & Workshops
15
Dec 2023
“Beyond Boundaries Exploring Excellence in Basic Medical Sciences”
International Conference · Participants – 842 TMC – 6 credit hours
Organizing Chairman-Dr S.Ilankathir & Dr M.Gopinath Organizing Secretary – Dr M.Manju
04
Dec 2024
Unveiling the Future of Basic Medical Sciences: A Global Perspective
International e-conference · The conference had 542 registrations and 172 abstracts (141 papers for oral and 31 for young Research Scholar Award presentations in Faculty, PhD, Postgraduate and Undergraduate categories). E-Posters competition was also held for undergraduates, in which we had 5 entries. There were 13 eminent Resource persons (5 International and 8 National speakers) from UK, USA, Malaysia, and various parts of our country.
Dr S.Ilankathir, Organizing Secretary, Dr. M Manju, Organising Chairperson.
20
Jun 2025
An Insight into Middle Ear
CME on “Surgical Rehabilitation of the Deaf” · Total number of participants were 157 including UG, PG and faculties. Speaker: Dr. Sivaraman G, Additional Professor & Head, Department of ENT, JIPMER
Dr. Rajan T, Vice-Dean (Admin & Events), AVMCH Dr. S Ilankathir, Professor & Head, Department of Anatomy, AVMCH.
04
Jul 2025
Peritoneum & Its Clinical Significance
Guest lecture titled "Peritoneum & Its Clinical Significance" · Total number of participants: 161 As part of the 25th Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Vinayaka Mission’s Puducherry CampusDr. Gladwin, JIPMER
Organized by: Department of Anatomy, AVMCH, Puducherry
03
Aug 2025
3rd International MSK Pain Congress – Cadaveric Workshop
Workshop · Total Participants: 45 delegates. The workshop was met with enthusiastic participation and positive feedback. Live ultrasound-guided scanning Demonstrations of advanced procedures, such as nerve denervation, regenerative medicine approaches and cancer pain interventions, fostering confidence in performing these techniques safely and effectively in clinical settings.
Organising Secretary: - Dr. Rajan T, Vice-Dean (Admin & Events), AVMCH
25
Sep 2026
World Congreess of Emergency Medicine Educators “Learning by doing: Advanced Hands-on Training in Emergency Medicine”
Workshop · Cadaveric Nerve Block Workshop in the Anatomy Dissection Hall, conducted by Dr. Nama Ahmad and Dr. Roopesh Jain with expert national faculty coordinated by Dr. Sridhar.
Organized by Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Anatomy
26
Sep 2026
World Congreess of Emergency Medicine Educators “Learning by doing: Advanced Hands-on Training in Emergency Medicine”
Workshop · Cadaveric Surgical skill Workshop – by Dr. Nama Ahmad and team, hosted by Dr. Muthu kumaravel.
Organized by Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Anatomy
Contact Us
Get in Touch
Reach out for academic inquiries, body donation information, or research collaborations.
Department Email:anatomy@avmc.edu.in
Head of Department:Dr. T. Rajan
Location:Department of Anatomy, AVMCH Campus
Library Resources:413 Books, 80 Journals, 8 Educational Videos