HPCSA Anatomy Research Topics for Registrars – South Africa

Comprehensive list of anatomy research topics designed specifically for HPCSA registrars in South Africa. These topics address common and high-impact anatomical research areas including gross anatomy, clinical anatomy, radiological anatomy, neuroanatomy, histology, embryology, anatomical variation, morphometry, forensic anthropology, anatomy education, surgical anatomy, imaging-based anatomy, and cadaveric studies across medical schools, anatomy departments, dissection halls, radiology departments, forensic units, surgical departments, and academic centres.

Why These Anatomy Research Topics Work for HPCSA Registrars

HPCSA anatomy registrar research must be feasible within the 4-year training programme while addressing clinically relevant and academically meaningful questions in South African anatomical science, medical education, and applied clinical anatomy. Each topic below has been selected for:

• Clinical relevance: Addresses anatomical variations, morphometric data, imaging correlations, and surgical anatomy questions relevant to South African clinical practice
• Feasibility: Achievable using cadaveric dissections, dry bone collections, radiological images, histology slides, student assessments, museum specimens, and retrospective imaging databases
• Ethical approval: Clear pathways for IRB submission, cadaveric material approval, anonymised imaging review, student consent where applicable, and supervisor approval
• Publication potential: Suitable for South African Medical Journal, African Health Sciences, Anatomical Science International, Clinical Anatomy, or international anatomy journals
• South African relevance: Focuses on population-specific morphometry, anatomical variation, trauma-relevant anatomy, surgical planning, radiological anatomy, medical education, and resource-appropriate anatomy teaching

Gross Anatomy, Anatomical Variation and Morphometry Research Topics

Topic 1: Anatomical Variations of the Brachial Plexus in Cadavers

Research Question: What are the common anatomical variations of the brachial plexus observed in adult cadaveric dissections?

Study Design: Descriptive cadaveric observational study

Setting: Anatomy dissection hall or medical school anatomy department

Why This Works: Brachial plexus variation is clinically important for regional anaesthesia, trauma surgery, and nerve injury management. Cadaveric dissection allows direct visualisation of roots, trunks, divisions, cords, and terminal branches, making the topic feasible and publication-friendly.

Topic 2: Variations in the Origin and Course of the Median Nerve

Research Question: What are the variations in formation, course, and branching pattern of the median nerve in adult cadavers?

Study Design: Cadaveric descriptive study

Setting: Anatomy department dissection laboratory

Why This Works: Median nerve anatomy is relevant to upper limb surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, trauma, and nerve blocks. The study can document communicating branches, abnormal formation, relation to brachial artery, and rare variants.

Topic 3: Morphometry of the Foramen Magnum in Adult Skulls

Research Question: What are the morphometric dimensions and shape variations of the foramen magnum in adult dry skulls?

Study Design: Osteological morphometric study

Setting: Anatomy bone museum or osteology laboratory

Why This Works: Foramen magnum measurements are useful in anthropology, neurosurgery, forensic identification, and craniovertebral junction assessment. Dry skull collections allow measurement of anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, area, and shape categories.

Topic 4: Morphometric Study of Human Mandibles

Research Question: What are the morphometric characteristics of adult human mandibles and their relevance to sex estimation?

Study Design: Osteological morphometric study

Setting: Anatomy museum or forensic anthropology laboratory

Why This Works: Mandibular measurements are relevant in forensic anthropology and maxillofacial surgery. Parameters such as bigonial width, bicondylar width, ramus height, mandibular angle, and mental foramen position can be assessed.

Topic 5: Anatomical Variation of the Renal Arteries

Research Question: What is the prevalence and pattern of accessory renal arteries in cadaveric specimens?

Study Design: Cadaveric observational study

Setting: Anatomy department dissection hall

Why This Works: Renal artery variation is important for renal transplantation, nephrectomy, angiography, and abdominal surgery. Cadaveric dissection can document number, origin, laterality, hilar entry pattern, and polar arteries.

Topic 6: Variations in the Celiac Trunk Branching Pattern

Research Question: What are the anatomical variations in the branching pattern of the celiac trunk in adult cadavers?

Study Design: Cadaveric descriptive study

Setting: Anatomy dissection laboratory

Why This Works: Celiac trunk variations are important for hepatobiliary surgery, gastric surgery, liver transplantation, and interventional radiology. The study can document classical trifurcation, hepatosplenic trunk, gastrosplenic trunk, and accessory hepatic arteries.

Topic 7: Morphometry of the Scapula and Glenoid Cavity

Research Question: What are the morphometric dimensions of the scapula and glenoid cavity in adult dry bone specimens?

Study Design: Osteological morphometric study

Setting: Anatomy bone collection or osteology laboratory

Why This Works: Scapular and glenoid measurements are relevant to shoulder arthroplasty, instability surgery, fracture fixation, and anthropological studies. Measurements can include glenoid height, width, shape, scapular length, and acromial parameters.

Topic 8: Morphometry of the Human Sternum

Research Question: What are the morphometric characteristics of the sternum and how can they assist in sex estimation?

Study Design: Osteological descriptive study

Setting: Anatomy museum or forensic anthropology unit

Why This Works: Sternal morphometry has forensic and anthropological value. The study can assess manubrial length, mesosternal length, combined sternal length, sternal index, and variations in xiphoid morphology.

Topic 9: Anatomical Variations of the Sciatic Nerve and Piriformis

Research Question: What are the variations in the relationship between the sciatic nerve and piriformis muscle in adult cadavers?

Study Design: Cadaveric observational study

Setting: Anatomy dissection hall

Why This Works: Sciatic nerve variation is relevant to piriformis syndrome, gluteal injections, hip surgery, and nerve blocks. Cadaveric dissection can document normal and variant divisions through, above, or below piriformis.

Topic 10: Morphometric Study of the Human Sacrum

Research Question: What are the morphometric characteristics and anatomical variations of the adult human sacrum?

Study Design: Osteological morphometric study

Setting: Anatomy bone museum

Why This Works: Sacral morphometry is useful in forensic sex estimation, orthopaedic surgery, caudal epidural anaesthesia, and pelvic anatomy. The study can assess sacral index, foramina, canal variations, hiatus morphology, and sacral curvature.

Radiological Anatomy, Neuroanatomy and Applied Clinical Anatomy Research Topics

Topic 11: CT Morphometry of Paranasal Sinuses

Research Question: What are the CT-based morphometric dimensions and anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses in adult patients?

Study Design: Retrospective radiological anatomy study

Setting: Radiology department and anatomy department

Why This Works: Paranasal sinus anatomy is relevant to ENT surgery, sinus disease, and endoscopic procedures. CT images allow assessment of frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinus dimensions, septal deviation, concha bullosa, and ostiomeatal complex variations.

Topic 12: Anatomical Variations of the Circle of Willis on CT Angiography

Research Question: What are the common anatomical variations of the Circle of Willis identified on CT angiography?

Study Design: Retrospective imaging-based anatomical study

Setting: Radiology department or neuroimaging unit

Why This Works: Circle of Willis variations are important in stroke, aneurysm surgery, neurosurgery, and collateral circulation. CTA data can document hypoplastic segments, absent communicating arteries, fetal PCA, and asymmetry.

Topic 13: MRI Morphometry of the Corpus Callosum

Research Question: What are the MRI-based morphometric measurements of the corpus callosum in adults and how do they vary by age and sex?

Study Design: Retrospective MRI-based morphometric study

Setting: Radiology department or neuroanatomy unit

Why This Works: Corpus callosum morphometry is relevant to neurodevelopment, neurodegenerative disease, epilepsy, and cognitive neuroscience. MRI images allow non-invasive measurement of length, thickness, genu, body, and splenium dimensions.

Topic 14: CT Morphometry of Lumbar Pedicles for Spinal Instrumentation

Research Question: What are the CT-based morphometric dimensions of lumbar vertebral pedicles relevant to pedicle screw placement?

Study Design: Retrospective radiological morphometric study

Setting: Radiology department and anatomy department

Why This Works: Pedicle morphometry is important for spine surgery and implant safety. CT images can assess pedicle width, height, angulation, vertebral level variation, and side-to-side differences in a local population.

Topic 15: Anatomical Variations of the Paranasal Sinuses Relevant to FESS

Research Question: What is the prevalence of CT-detected anatomical variations relevant to functional endoscopic sinus surgery?

Study Design: Retrospective CT-based observational study

Setting: Radiology department and ENT service

Why This Works: Variations such as concha bullosa, Haller cells, Onodi cells, septal deviation, agger nasi cells, and Keros classification are clinically relevant for sinus surgery planning and complication prevention.

Topic 16: MRI-Based Morphometry of the Pituitary Gland

Research Question: What are the normal MRI-based dimensions of the pituitary gland in adults and how do they vary with age and sex?

Study Design: Retrospective radiological morphometric study

Setting: Radiology department

Why This Works: Pituitary size varies physiologically and pathologically, and normative local data may help interpret pituitary imaging. Measurements can include height, width, anteroposterior diameter, volume, and stalk position.

Topic 17: Anatomical Variations of the Vertebral Artery on CT Angiography

Research Question: What are the common anatomical variations in origin, course, and dominance of the vertebral artery on CT angiography?

Study Design: Retrospective CTA-based anatomical study

Setting: Radiology department or vascular imaging unit

Why This Works: Vertebral artery variations are important in cervical spine surgery, vascular procedures, stroke evaluation, and trauma. CTA can document dominance, hypoplasia, anomalous origin, and entry level into transverse foramina.

Topic 18: Morphometry of the Optic Canal on CT

Research Question: What are the CT-based morphometric dimensions of the optic canal and their anatomical variation in adult patients?

Study Design: Retrospective CT morphometric study

Setting: Radiology department and anatomy department

Why This Works: Optic canal anatomy is relevant to neurosurgery, ophthalmology, skull base surgery, and optic nerve decompression. CT images allow assessment of canal length, diameter, laterality, and relation to sphenoid sinus pneumatization.

Topic 19: CT Morphometry of the Acetabulum

Research Question: What are the CT-based morphometric parameters of the acetabulum relevant to hip arthroplasty and pelvic surgery?

Study Design: Retrospective radiological anatomy study

Setting: Radiology department or orthopaedic imaging database

Why This Works: Acetabular anatomy is important for arthroplasty, dysplasia assessment, fracture fixation, and implant design. Measurements can include acetabular depth, diameter, version, inclination, and centre-edge parameters.

Topic 20: Anatomical Variations of the Hepatic Artery on CT Angiography

Research Question: What are the common hepatic artery anatomical variations identified on CT angiography?

Study Design: Retrospective imaging-based anatomical study

Setting: Radiology department and hepatobiliary surgery service

Why This Works: Hepatic artery variations are important in liver transplantation, hepatobiliary surgery, pancreatic surgery, and interventional radiology. CTA can identify replaced right hepatic artery, replaced left hepatic artery, accessory hepatic arteries, and celiac axis variants.

Histology, Embryology, Forensic Anthropology and Anatomy Education Research Topics

Topic 21: Histomorphometric Study of Human Skin Thickness

Research Question: What are the histomorphometric differences in epidermal and dermal thickness across selected anatomical sites?

Study Design: Histological morphometric study

Setting: Anatomy histology laboratory or pathology archive

Why This Works: Skin thickness has clinical relevance in dermatology, plastic surgery, wound healing, and forensic interpretation. Histological slides can be analysed for epidermal thickness, dermal thickness, adnexal density, and site-based variation.

Topic 22: Placental Morphometry and Birth Weight Correlation

Research Question: What is the relationship between placental morphometric parameters and neonatal birth weight?

Study Design: Cross-sectional anatomical and clinical correlation study

Setting: Anatomy department, obstetric unit, or pathology department

Why This Works: Placental morphology reflects fetal growth and maternal health. Measurements such as placental weight, diameter, thickness, cord insertion, and fetal-placental weight ratio can be correlated with birth weight and gestational age.

Topic 23: Congenital Anomalies: Anatomical Pattern and System Involvement

Research Question: What are the common anatomical patterns and organ-system involvement among foetal or neonatal congenital anomalies?

Study Design: Retrospective descriptive study

Setting: Anatomy museum, pathology department, neonatal unit, or obstetric records

Why This Works: Congenital anomalies are important in embryology and paediatric care, and records can assess neural tube defects, cardiac anomalies, gastrointestinal anomalies, renal anomalies, limb defects, and syndromic patterns.

Topic 24: Sex Estimation Using Cranial Morphometric Parameters

Research Question: How accurately can selected cranial morphometric measurements assist in sex estimation?

Study Design: Osteological forensic anthropology study

Setting: Anatomy museum or forensic anthropology collection

Why This Works: Cranial measurements are useful in forensic identification, especially when pelvis is unavailable. Parameters can include mastoid process length, bizygomatic breadth, orbital dimensions, nasal aperture, and cranial index.

Topic 25: Stature Estimation From Long Bone Measurements

Research Question: What is the relationship between long bone length and estimated stature in adult skeletal remains?

Study Design: Osteological anthropometric study

Setting: Anatomy bone collection or forensic anthropology unit

Why This Works: Stature estimation is important in forensic identification. Measurements of femur, tibia, humerus, radius, or ulna can be used to develop or validate regression equations relevant to local populations.

Topic 26: Learning Outcomes After Cadaveric Dissection Versus Digital Anatomy Tools

Research Question: How do medical students compare cadaveric dissection and digital anatomy tools in terms of perceived learning, retention, and confidence?

Study Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study

Setting: Medical school anatomy department

Why This Works: Anatomy education is changing globally, and this topic is feasible using student questionnaires. Outcomes can include perceived usefulness, spatial understanding, exam confidence, engagement, and preference for blended learning.

Topic 27: Effectiveness of Peer-Assisted Learning in Anatomy Practical Classes

Research Question: Does peer-assisted learning improve student performance and confidence in anatomy practical sessions?

Study Design: Comparative educational study

Setting: Anatomy department practical laboratory

Why This Works: Peer-assisted learning is feasible and low-cost, and outcomes can include pre-test/post-test scores, practical examination performance, confidence ratings, student satisfaction, and facilitator feedback.

Topic 28: Medical Students’ Perception of Histology Teaching Methods

Research Question: What are medical students’ perceptions of traditional microscopy versus digital histology slides in learning histology?

Study Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study

Setting: Histology laboratory or medical school teaching unit

Why This Works: Digital histology is increasingly used in medical education, and the study can assess accessibility, image clarity, learning preference, exam preparation, concept retention, and technical barriers.

Topic 29: Anatomy Knowledge Retention Among Clinical-Year Medical Students

Research Question: What is the level of anatomy knowledge retention among clinical-year medical students and which factors influence retention?

Study Design: Cross-sectional assessment study

Setting: Medical school or teaching hospital

Why This Works: Anatomy knowledge is essential for surgery, radiology, anaesthesia, and clinical examination. Short assessment tools and questionnaires can evaluate retention, learning methods, clinical exposure, revision habits, and perceived relevance.

Topic 30: Student Attitudes Toward Body Donation and Cadaveric Dissection

Research Question: What are medical students’ attitudes, ethical concerns, and emotional responses toward cadaveric dissection and body donation?

Study Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study

Setting: Anatomy department or medical school

Why This Works: Cadaveric dissection remains central to anatomy education, and the topic can assess emotional stress, respect for donors, ethical awareness, religious or cultural concerns, professionalism, and support needs for students.

Getting Your HPCSA Research Protocol Generated

If you’ve selected a research topic from this list, the next step is developing a comprehensive research protocol that meets HPCSA requirements, gains supervisor approval, and successfully passes IRB review.

What a Complete Research Protocol Includes

• Title and Introduction: Clear research question and anatomical background
• Literature Review: Summary of current evidence with international journal references relevant to gross anatomy, clinical anatomy, radiological anatomy, neuroanatomy, histology, embryology, anatomy education, and forensic anthropology
• Methodology: Detailed study design, specimen source, sample size, inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, anatomical measurement methods, imaging methods, histological methods, educational tools, data collection procedures, and outcome measures
• Statistical Analysis: Sample size calculation, descriptive analysis, morphometric analysis, side-to-side comparison, sex-based comparison, correlation analysis, regression modelling, reliability testing, or educational outcome analysis where appropriate
• Ethical Considerations: IRB submission requirements, approval for cadaveric material use, anonymisation of imaging data, informed consent for student participants where applicable, confidentiality, and respectful handling of human anatomical material
• Timeline: Gantt chart with realistic milestones for 4-year registrar training
• Budget: Resource requirements and cost breakdown
• References: Vancouver or APA style citations

Journals for HPCSA Anatomy Research

South African Journals

• South African Medical Journal (SAMJ) – Accepts clinically relevant anatomical, surgical anatomy, radiological anatomy, and medical education research
• African Health Sciences – Suitable for anatomy education, clinical anatomy, forensic anthropology, and health professions education research
• African Journal of Health Professions Education – Suitable for anatomy teaching, curriculum, student learning, and medical education research

International Journals

• Clinical Anatomy – Applied anatomy, surgical anatomy, anatomical variation, and imaging anatomy research
• Anatomical Science International – Gross anatomy, morphometry, histology, embryology, and anatomical sciences research
• Annals of Anatomy – Broad anatomical and morphological research
• Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy – Surgical anatomy, radiological anatomy, and clinically applied anatomical studies
• Journal of Anatomy – High-quality anatomical and morphological research
• Anatomical Sciences Education – Anatomy education, teaching innovation, and student learning research
• Forensic Science International – Forensic anthropology, skeletal morphometry, and identification-related anatomical studies

HPCSA Anatomy Registrar Research Requirements

All HPCSA anatomy registrars must complete a research project during their 4-year specialist training programme. The research protocol should be developed early in training, approved by a supervisor, submitted for institutional ethics review before data collection, and aligned with clinically relevant anatomical science, medical education, or applied morphology priorities in South Africa.

Given South Africa’s anatomy priorities – including clinically relevant anatomical variation, population-specific morphometry, radiological anatomy, surgical anatomy, forensic anthropology, histology, embryology, anatomy education, and cadaveric learning – anatomy research topics should be practical, ethically sound, and relevant to real-world medical education and clinical practice while maintaining strong academic and methodological standards.