Department of Anatomical Sciences
Department Chair: Dr. Ronak Shabani
Contact Information:
Phone: +98 21 8670 4569
Fax: +98 218862 2689
Email: anatomy@iums.ac.ir
Website: Department of Anatomical Sciences
Leadership Team:
Chair of Department: Dr. Ronak Shabani
Education Deputy: Dr. Sam Zarbakhsh
Research Deputy: Dr. Behnamedin Jameie
International Deputy: Dr. Mehrdad Ghorbanlou
MSc and PhD Anatomy Education: Dr. Mina Eftekharzadeh
PhD Reproductive Biology Education: Dr. Zahra Zandieh
Executive Deputy: Dr. Mehdi Mehdizadeh
Deputy Heads for Graduate Studies: Dr. Hamzeh Badali, Dr. Fatemeh Amjadi
Scope of Activities:
Educational Activities
Thesis Reports
Journal Clubs
Course Planning
Research Activities
Theses and Proposals in the following fields:
Neuroscience
Stem Cells
Reproductive Biology
Tissue Engineering
Nanostructures
Radiology
Facilities
Dissection Hall
Histology Hall
Embryology Model Section
Cellular Laboratory
Molecular Laboratory
Reproductive Biology Laboratory
Electron Microscopy Room
Services
Animal Behavioral Tests, including:
Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) Test
Y Maze Test
8 Maze Test
Morris Water Maze Test
Barnes Maze Test
Rodents Balance Beam Test
Acetone Evaporation Test
Novel Object Recognition Test
Open Field Test
Tail Suspension Test
Shuttle Box Test
Fear Conditioning Test
Marble Burying Test
Sucrose Preference Test
Rodent Treadmill
Rodent Stereotaxic Surgery
Rodent Dissecting Table
Social Interaction Test
Goot Soldering Station
Portable Ultraviolet Light Generating Device
Rodents’ Brain Milling Device
Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) Test
Tissue Processing for Histology
Tissue Staining for Histology
Electron Microscopy
Molecular Techniques (Immunocytochemistry, Immunohistochemistry, Electrophoresis)
History
The Department of Anatomical Sciences has a rich history that parallels the establishment of medical faculties both in Iran and globally. It is one of the foundational departments within medical education, serving as a cornerstone of basic medical sciences. Over time, as medical sciences have evolved, various sub-disciplines have emerged; however, the significance of anatomical sciences has remained paramount.
The field of anatomy encompasses both macroscopic (gross) and microscopic (histological) studies, facilitated by advances in microscopy. Current research includes the microstructure of cells using electron microscopy, the development of organisms, organogenesis, the influence of teratogenic agents, and the molecular pathways affecting prenatal and postnatal growth. Recent decades have also seen a focus on evolutionary anatomy, reshaping perspectives on various diseases and therapeutic interventions.
Gross anatomy has been significantly revised, incorporating functional and clinical anatomy, which has led to international conferences discussing its clinical applications for medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals.
The teaching of anatomy has a long-standing tradition, with historical figures such as Hippocrates and Avicenna contributing to its pedagogy. Ancient Iranian texts, likeThe Canon of Avicenna, highlight the depth of anatomical education in the region. Today, scientific journals continue to explore innovative teaching methods, including medical imaging, plastination, Case-Based Learning (CBL), and Problem-Based Learning (PBL).
The necessity for collaboration between basic medical sciences and clinical practice underscores the ongoing relevance of anatomy in medical education and research.
Last updated on Sep. 5, 2026
By Mokhtar Rangaviz, MA in TESOL