Synonym: Autonomous area Definition: These are the regions where single nerve roots supply distinct and non-overlapping areas of skin. By their nature the “autonomous zones” represent only a small portion of any dermatome and only a few nerve roots have such autonomous zones. The size of autonomous zone for a…
Author: Epomedicine
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Approaches to Middle ear and Mastoid surgery
Endomeatal (Transcanal or Transmeatal) Approach: Not used commonly in children owing to relatively small ear canal This incision is used when the mesotympanum and hypotympanum are the surgical sites A posterior tympanomeatal flap is raised to enter into the middle ear. The flap includes skin over the medial two-thirds of the bony…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Cavernous Sinus – Simplified
Synonyms: Sinus cavernosus, Lateral sellar compartment Definition and Extent Size: 2 cm long and 1 cm wide Walls: Extent: Contents of Cavernous sinus These are closely related to the floor of sinus and are separated from the interior of sinus by endothelium. 4 nerves in the lateral wall: Note: Mandibular…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Thyroglossal Duct Cyst
Synonyms: Thyroglossal cyst, Thyrolingual cyst, Thyroglossal duct remnant, TGDC, TDC, TGDR Definition: Thyroglossal duct cyst is a congenital malformation that occurs due to incomplete closure of the thyroglossal duct which presents as a cystic midline neck swelling at birth. Thyroglossal fistulas are usually recognized by their external opening (typically located…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Differential diagnoses of Neck Swellings
Triangles of Neck The following anatomic points define the anterior compartment/triangle of the neck: Contents: larynx, trachea, esophagus, thyroid and parathyroid glands, carotid sheath, and suprahyoid and infrahyoid strap muscles. Submandibular triangle: region contained in the anterior neck bordered by the inferior margin of the mandible and the digastric, stylohyoid, and mylohyoid muscles. This region contains…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Glaucomatous Optic Disc Changes Made Simple
Optic disc changes in Glaucoma is one of the most frequently asked topics in Ophthalmology. However, students are often found to have difficulty in understanding and remembering them. Hence, I came up with an idea to illustrate them with schematic diagrams and mnemonics to simplify the topic. The diagrams are…
Case Reports 
Ophthalmology Spot Diagnosis: Buphthalmos
A. Synoynms: Hydrothalmos, Congenital glaucoma B. Definiton: Buphthalmos is the enlargement of the eye due to congenital glaucoma. C. Classification: True congenital glaucoma (Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) during intrauterine life) Infantile glaucoma (Birth to 3 years) Juvenile glaucoma (>3 years) D. Pathogenesis: Isolated trabeculo-dysgenesis: Absence of angle recess; iris inserted…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Epistaxis Basics : Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
Synonyms: Nosebleed, Nasal bleeding Definition: Epistaxis is defined as bleeding from the nasal cavity. It ranges from minor blood-tinged mucus when blowing the nose to life-threatening hemorrhage. Epidemiology: Age: Bimodal distribution – common in <10 years and >60 years Season: Winter Anatomy and Physiology: Why is the nose prone to…