How to write Anatomy Protocol?

Introduction
An Anatomy Protocol (also called an Anatomy Synopsis) is a structured plan for an MD, MS, or DNB thesis that defines your study’s purpose, scope, and methods. A well-written Anatomy Protocol guides each step of your research and ensures institutional approval.

1. Introduction to the Topic

• Define the anatomical structure or variation under investigation.

• Specify the target population (age, sex, ethnicity) and clinical relevance.

• Use both “Anatomy Protocol” and “Anatomy Synopsis” to refer to your document.

2. Demographics & Prevalence

• Identify who is affected and cite recent data on prevalence.

• Highlight demographic factors that justify your Anatomy Protocol.

3. Gap in Existing Knowledge

• Summarize what’s known and pinpoint unanswered questions.

• Explain how your Anatomy Synopsis will fill these gaps with new data.

4. Need and Rationale for Study

• Explain why this research matters for postgraduate training (MD, MS, DNB).

• Describe current limitations in anatomy education or clinical practice.

• State the potential impact on teaching, surgical technique, or further research.

• Mention alignment with national or global health priorities, if applicable.

5. Review of Literature

• Historical Background: trace key discoveries in this anatomical area.

• Current State of Knowledge: summarize recent peer-reviewed studies.

• Key Findings: highlight methodologies and results that shaped the field.

• Gaps in Literature: identify what existing Anatomy Synopses have overlooked.

• Relevance: show how your Anatomy Protocol builds on and extends prior work.

6. Lacunae in Literature

• List specific shortcomings or under-researched topics.

• Explain how your Anatomy Synopsis addresses each lacuna.

7. Materials and Methods

• Source of Data: cadaveric dissections, imaging archives, surgical specimens, etc.

• Study Design: cross-sectional, observational, descriptive—name it in your Anatomy Protocol.

• Study Population: clear inclusion and exclusion criteria (e.g., adult cadavers 18–65 years; no congenital anomalies).

• Study Period: precise start and end dates (mm/yyyy–mm/yyyy).

• Sample Size Calculation: show the formula, parameters (prevalence, confidence interval, margin of error), and final number.

• Methodology: step-by-step dissection or measurement procedures.

• Statistical Analysis: software, statistical tests (t-test, ANOVA, chi-square), and significance level (p < 0.05).

8. Ethical Considerations

• Informed Consent: procedures for patient data or imaging studies.

• Confidentiality: data anonymization and storage measures.

• Risk Minimization: safety protocols for cadaver handling or radiation exposure.

• Ethics Committee Approval: name of the Institutional Review Board and approval ID.

9. Limitations of the Study

• Sample Size Constraints: potential under-representation of subgroups.

• Measurement Errors: inter-observer variability and equipment precision.

• Selection Bias: cadaver sourcing or record availability.

• Generalizability: applicability of findings beyond your center.

10. Annexures

• Consent Form: a template ensuring that participants (or their legal representatives) provide informed permission for use of anatomical data or specimens.

• Patient Information Sheet: summary of study aims, methods, risks, and benefits to give to participants in a clear, understandable format.

• Data Collection Form: structured sheet for recording demographics, measurements, and observations consistently across all subjects.

Conclusion
A concise Anatomy Protocol (Anatomy Synopsis) tailored for MD, MS, and DNB postgraduate students meets academic standards and provides a clear framework for conducting and presenting your research. Cover each section above thoroughly to ensure rigor and clarity.