Abstract
Background and objectives: Anatomical dissection is an indispensable means of acquiring knowledge about the variability of the human body. We detected the co-existence of several arterial variations within one female anatomic specimen during routine anatomical dissection. The aim of this study was to evaluate if this status is a regular pattern in any of other vertebrates. Materials and Methods: Besides of a meticulous anatomic dissection, we performed a literature review concerning the frequency, the phylogenesis, and ontogenesis of all of these variations. Results: Exceptionally, the middle colic artery arose from an extraordinarily divided celiac trunk. The kidneys received three polar arteries. On the left side, a corona mortis replaced the obturator artery. The aortic arch gave rise to a bicarotid trunk, and the right subclavian artery originated and coursed as a typical lusorial artery leading to a non-recurrent laryngeal nerve on the right side. Furthermore, variations of the branches of the thyrocervical trunk were found to be present. Extraordinarily, in their cervical portion both internal carotid arteries gave rise to two arteries each. All of these variations developed within two to three weeks, around the sixth week of gestation. It was not possible to ascribe all or even one of the variations to a singular species of vertebrates. Conclusion: Apparently, arterial variations are frequently a result of random development. Medical professionals must always be aware of anatomical variations; the absence of such awareness would create major difficulties during surgery. The present case confirms the relevance of anatomical dissection, particularly for medical students.
Highlights
As each human body is unique in terms of structure, anatomical variations are rather the reality than the “Vesalian” view described in anatomy textbooks [1]
We observed a reasonably strong artery in the transverse mesocolon, equivalent to a middle colic artery, it lacked any connection with the superior mesenteric artery or one of its branches at the regular site of its origin, i.e., the ventral aspect of the superior mesenteric artery
Following this vessel to its origin, we found that it disappeared into the pancreatic notch (Figure 1a)
Summary
As each human body is unique in terms of structure, anatomical variations are rather the reality than the “Vesalian” view described in anatomy textbooks [1]. As stated by Bergman [1], much anatomical information—especially from the previous centuries—is ignored or lost and is constantly “rediscovered” in studies by authors who often do poor library searches. The same “rare” anatomic variations encountered in anatomical dissection, radiography, or surgery are described repeatedly in case reports. It would be appropriate to publish cases of rare anatomical variations because, in former times, the authors illustrated their descriptions at best with line drawings. Anatomical dissection is an indispensable means of acquiring knowledge about the variability of the human body. We detected the co-existence of several arterial variations within one female anatomic specimen during routine anatomical dissection.
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