Udal Koorugal ( Anatomy )

About the Department

The Department of Udal Koorugal (Anatomy) at Annai Medical College of Siddha and Research Centre is one of the most vital pre-clinical pillars of the BSMS curriculum. “Udal Koorugal” literally means “parts of the body” — and this department gives students a complete structural understanding of the human body from two perspectives: the time-honoured Siddha view documented by the Siddhars, and the precise descriptive view of modern human anatomy.

Students learn the gross structure of every organ system, the microscopic architecture of tissues, embryological development, surface and radiological anatomy, and the classical Siddha concepts of body composition — Saaram, Cheneer, Oon, Kozhuppu, Enbu, Moolai, and Sukkilam/Suronitham. The department also lays the foundation for advanced subjects such as Varmam, Surgery (Aruvai Maruthuvam), and clinical examination, making it indispensable for every future Siddha physician.

Vision

To produce Siddha physicians with a clear, confident, and clinically applicable understanding of human body structure, integrating the wisdom of the Siddhars with the rigour of modern anatomical science.

Mission

• To deliver comprehensive theoretical and practical training in both Siddha and modern anatomy.
• To provide hands-on dissection-based learning that builds clinical competence and confidence.
• To correlate Siddha anatomical concepts (Adangal, Mei Porul, Kosangal) with modern descriptive anatomy.
• To prepare students for advanced subjects such as Varmam, Surgery, Obstetrics, and clinical examination.
• To promote anatomical research that bridges classical Tamil medical literature with contemporary science.

Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe the gross anatomy of all major systems of the human body — musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urogenital, nervous, and endocrine.
• Identify and label structures on cadaveric specimens, models, and radiological images.
• Explain the histological structure of tissues, organs, and glands.
• Trace the embryological development of major organs and recognise common congenital anomalies.
• Correlate Siddha concepts of Udal Thathukkal, Adangal, and Varmam points with modern anatomical landmarks.
• Apply anatomical knowledge to clinical examination, surface marking, and surgical orientation.

Topics Covered in the Curriculum

The syllabus, prescribed by NCISM and Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, includes:

Siddha Anatomy

• Concept of Udal (body) and its classifications in Siddha literature
• Saptha Udal Thathukkal — Saaram, Cheneer, Oon, Kozhuppu, Enbu, Moolai, Sukkilam/Suronitham
• Adangal — anatomical regions of the body
• Mei Porul and Mei Vagai
• Introduction to Varmam points and their anatomical correlation
• Anatomical references in classical Siddha texts

Modern Anatomy

• General anatomy and anatomical terminology
• Osteology — study of all bones of the body
• Myology — muscles, attachments, and actions
• Arthrology — joints and their movements
• Cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system
• Urogenital system, endocrine system
• Central and peripheral nervous system
• Special senses — eye, ear, nose, tongue, skin
• Histology — microscopic study of tissues and organs
• Embryology — general and systemic
• Genetics — basics of human genetics and inheritance
• Surface anatomy and radiological anatomy

Teaching–Learning Methodology

• Didactic lectures with 3D anatomy software, charts, and audio-visual aids
• Cadaveric dissection in a fully equipped dissection hall
• Demonstration on bones, plastinated specimens, mounted models, and embryology models
• Histology practicals using compound microscopes
• Living anatomy and surface marking sessions
• Tutorials, group discussions, and spotters
• Periodic assessments — MCQs, structured oral examinations, and practical viva
• Correlation classes linking modern anatomy with Siddha Adangal and Varmam points

Department Infrastructure & Facilities

• Dissection Hall equipped as per NCISM norms with embalmed cadavers, dissection tables, ventilation, and storage
• Histology Laboratory with compound microscopes, prepared slides covering all systems
• Museum displaying mounted specimens, models, plastinated organs, embryology models, articulated and disarticulated skeletons, and charts
• Anatomy Lecture Hall with multimedia projection, smart board, and digital anatomy resources
• Departmental Library with reference textbooks (Cunningham, Gray’s, B.D. Chaurasia, Inderbir Singh) and classical Siddha literature on Udal Koorugal
• Embalming room, mortuary, and cadaver storage as per regulatory standards
• Internet-enabled e-learning resources and 3D anatomy software access for students

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will:

• Have a confident command of human anatomy from both Siddha and modern perspectives.
• Be able to identify and describe structures on cadavers, specimens, and radiological images.
• Possess the foundation needed for clinical examination, Varmam practice, and surgery.
• Understand the structural basis of disease and treatment in Siddha medicine.
• Be prepared for postgraduate studies, research, and competitive examinations.

Significance and Scope

Anatomy is the language of medicine. Without a strong foundation in Udal Koorugal, no student can correctly understand pathology, diagnose disease, perform Varmam therapy, or attempt surgery. This department therefore plays a decisive role in shaping every BSMS graduate’s clinical capability. Career and research opportunities for those who excel in this subject include postgraduate Siddha specialisations, AYUSH research positions, anatomical research, medical education, and integrative medicine roles.