Head's Message

"Welcome to the Department of Anatomical Sciences and Cell Biology. Since our inception in 1949, we have been committed to laying the scientific foundation of medical education at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. We take great pride in our legacy—from hosting the first practical dissections to launching the nation's first Ph.D. program in Anatomy. Today, by integrating cutting-edge technology such as digital cadaver systems with advanced research in tissue engineering, cell culture, and reproductive biology, we ensure our graduates are uniquely prepared to lead in both academic and clinical research. We welcome you to join our community of discovery and academic excellence."

Overview

Welcome to the Department of Anatomical Sciences and Cell Biology at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Established in 1949 (1328 SH) concurrently with the founding of the Faculty of Medicine, our department has a distinguished history as one of the oldest and most pioneering academic units in the university. We hold the honor of admitting the first cohort of Ph.D. students in Anatomy in Iran in 1985 (1364 SH). Today, the department is a leading center for education and research, training healthcare professionals and researchers across undergraduate and postgraduate (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) levels in anatomical sciences, histology, embryology, reproductive biology, and tissue engineering.

Our Expertise

Our faculty members specialize in diverse areas of modern morphological and cellular sciences. The department's educational and scientific expertise includes:

• Macroscopic and Microscopic Anatomy: Comprehensive teaching of gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, histology, and embryology for medical, dental, pharmacy, and allied health fields.
• Reproductive Biology & Developmental Biology: Investigating embryonic development, teratology, and infertility-related research.
• Tissue Engineering & Cell Culture: Cultivating advanced solutions for regenerative medicine and cellular therapies.
• Educational Innovation: Utilizing advanced anatomical models (moulages) and modern digital visualization technologies (the "Kalbodnama" digital cadaver system).

Advanced Facilities & Laboratories

The department provides access to state-of-the-art educational and research infrastructures, including:

• Dissection & Moulage Halls: Equipped with mechanized dissection tables, a dedicated radiological anatomy hall with PACS integration, and three anatomical model (moulage) halls.
• Research Laboratories: Featuring the Histochemistry Lab (est. 1992), Embryology and Teratology Lab (est. 2015), Tissue and Embryo Culture Lab (est. 2015), and the Tissue Engineering & Cell Culture Labs (est. 2019).
• Embryology Museum: A unique facility established in 2023 (1402 SH) exhibiting 30 rare congenital-anomaly specimens.
• NetLabs Membership: Collaborative access to the Strategic Technologies Laboratory Network since 2022.

Educational & Research Mission

Our mission is to expand the horizons of cell biology, developmental biology, and neuroscience through rigorous, innovative research.

• Vision: To maintain our position as a premier regional and national hub in anatomical education and tissue engineering research, fostering national and international collaborations.
• Mission: To equip postgraduate students with the analytical skills and practical expertise needed for successful careers in academia and medical research, while maintaining high ethical standards in scientific inquiry.
• Research Priorities: Our scientific focus revolves around neurobiology, regenerative medicine, reproductive sciences, tissue engineering scaffolds, histochemistry, and developmental anomalies.