Normal Anatomy

Founded in 1922

Anatomical studies were conducted in Armenia in the distant past, and the further development of anatomical science was due to the creation of the Department of Anatomy  by V.M. Artsruni in 1922 in the Faculty of Medicine  of Yerevan State University. In early years the department was located in two small rooms of former laundry, lessons were conducted in the absence of electricity, under the light of a lamp. There were no training manuals and books in Armenian language. In 1923 was published the first textbook on anatomy, edited by V.M. Artsruni. In 1924 was published Russian-Latin-Armenian scientific and medical vocabulary, which formed the basis of scientific and medical terminology. With initiative of V.M. Artsruni the anatomical museum was created at the Department of Human Anatomy, which was later named after him. The museum is enriched in the short term with the necessary exhibits and plays a big role in training and educating students. Pedagogical work, including lectures and workshops reached a higher level when, in 1925, was constructed the anatomical building by Alexander Tamanyan. An important contribution to the development of anatomical science and the improvement of teaching was made by such famous scientists and teachers as E.T. Shek-Hovsepyan, E.A. Bayramyan, G. Hakobyan, L.V. Vardanyan, A.A. Sarafyan, K.M. Ayvazyan, Sh.T. Petrosyan, G.M. Ainajyan, L. Sargsyan, L.A. Manukyan, G.P. Kalyan et al.

The Department of Human Anatomy currently has a scientific and pedagogical base that meets modern international requirements: modern technology and models, equipped classrooms and training rooms, a museum and a laboratory. The staff of the department masters modern methods of teaching, assessing knowledge and provides highly qualified teaching in all faculties of the university in Armenian, Russian and English. Since 2021, in order to improve the quality of student learning, the department has purchased an anatomical table equipped with modern interactive atlases.

Education at the department is conducted using traditional teaching methods: lectures and practical classes. The department trains 1st year students (I and II semesters) and 2nd year students (III semester) of the General Medicine and Military Medicine faculties, 1st year students (I and II semesters) of the Faculty of Dentistry. Students are trained and tested in a modular format using a multi-component knowledge assessment system (10-point system), according to which 2 points (20%) constitute the semester component and 8 points (80%) the examination component. The semester component (2 points) consists of the following components: picture-tests, testing of practical skills and ongoing oral quizzes. The examination component (8 points) is formed as a result of a computer test exam. The semester and exam components add up to the final module grade.

In the structural medicine modules, human anatomy is integrated with radiology, clinical anatomy, histology, and physiology. The module is taught in the format of lectures, practical classes and consultations. During the training period, animation and video visual materials are used in lectures and practical classes, and students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge in clinical practice is developed using the example of clinical cases. Practical classes are conducted in groups in the form of discussions, analysis of multivariate tests, study of wet preparations, models using anatomical drawings, atlases and x-rays.

Research projects are carried out in the field of microcirculation stream peculiarities both in experiments and clinical settings.

The following research projects are carried out at the department

• The role of extra and intrapineal melatonin modulating the processes of exo- and endocrine pancreatic function.
• The role of melatonin in the regulation of myocardial activity and permeability of the microcirculation ways.
• Morphometric changes of microcirculation of the lower limbs in atherosclerosis and endoartrite.
• Мorpho-functional characteristics of the vascular system of the heart in experimental crush syndrome.
• The role of pre-, peri-, neonatal and hereditary risk factors in the development of autistic disorders.