Year: 2026 | Month: February | Volume: 16 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 254-260
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260228
Study of the Basic Knowledge of Anatomy Among Phase 1 MBBS Students in Correlation with Their School Curriculum Before the Commencement of the Course
Dhivya Mohan Sumathi1, Gowri Shankar2, Anitha Nancy. T.3
1Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Arunai Medical College, and Hospital, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India.
2Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Arunai Medical college, and Hospital, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India.
3Professor, Department of Anatomy, Arunai Medical College, and Hospital, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Dhivya Mohan Sumathi
ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Anatomy forms the cornerstone of medical education, yet Indian school curricula provide minimal anatomical content. While NEET ensures equitable admission to MBBS programs nationwide, students enter medical college with varying levels of anatomical exposure. This study aimed to assess first-year MBBS students' baseline anatomical knowledge, analyze their initial exposure to anatomy as a formal discipline, and correlate their educational background with fundamental anatomical understanding.
Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 Phase 1 MBBS students on their first day of course commencement. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms, assessing demographic details, educational background, prior anatomical exposure, and baseline anatomical knowledge. Variables analyzed included school curriculum board, entrance coaching attendance, parental occupation, and social media influence.
Results: Among 137 participants (mean age 19 years; 58.4% female), 51.5% were CBSE-educated, and 96.2% attended entrance coaching. Anatomical exposure occurred during school (40%), coaching (38.5%), or post-MBBS enrollment (21.5%). Baseline knowledge scores averaged 5.9/10, with significant curriculum-based disparities: ICSE (7/10), CBSE (6.16/10), State Board (5.73/10), and Matriculation (5.61/10). Major knowledge gaps included lymphatic system awareness (63% unaware) and cadaver misconceptions (40%).
Conclusion: Considerable disparity exists in anatomical readiness among first-year MBBS students from diverse educational backgrounds despite uniform NEET-based admission. The study highlights the need for bridging programs or foundation courses to standardize anatomical knowledge before formal medical curriculum commencement, ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students regardless of their pre-medical educational exposure.
Key words: anatomy, school curriculum, medical students, undergraduate, knowledge.