Anatomical Preparations Research Articles

VARIABILITY OF PARAMETERS OF NEPHRITIC VEINS IN THE COURSE OF AGING

146 preparations of kidneys of people, at the age from 21 years till 85 years which were lost from diseases, not connected with a pathology urological system are investigated. Methods of anatomic preparation are used and 146 corrosion preparations of venous system of a kidney of the person are made. Also the data 76 МСКТ and 34 МРТ has been used. The morphometry data was processed by methods of variation statistics on the personal computer under programs «Excel» (Ver.10.2701) and «Statwin» (Ver.5.1). The research analysis has shown that with the years there is a gradual increase in diameters of nephritic veins (till 50 years), however this process proceeds non-uniformly. Parts of a nephritic vein differ the form, in the sizes, a wall structure, individually changeable, and have topometrytical features. External diameter, thickness of a wall, internal diameter and the area of cross-section section of a gleam, the relation of a thickness of a wall to diameter of a gleam of parts of a nephritic vein, change in the course of aging non-uniformly.

An annotated catalogue of the horseshoe crabs (Xiphosura) held in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin

An annotated catalogue of the horseshoe crabs (Chelicerata: Xiphosura) in the collections of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin is presented. The collection contains no type material, but representatives of all four currently recognised living species are present. These are Limulus polyphemus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the North American East coast, and Tachypleus gigas (Müller 1785), Tachypleus tridentatus (Leach, 1819) and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (Latreille, 1802) all from South-East Asia. Originally accessioned (in part) among the crustaceans, some material is related to the historically significant collectors Fedor Jagor, Hans Sauter and (probably) David Friedrich Weinland. The Berlin museum also hosts a number of high-quality historical anatomical preparations, some of which are also figured here for completeness (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Anatomy of the temporomandibular joint in the cat: a study by microdissection, cryosection and vascular injection.

The minute anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is of great clinical relevance in cats owing to a high number of lesions involving this articulation. However, the precise anatomy is poorly documented in textbooks and scientific articles. The aim of this study was to describe, in detail, the TMJ anatomy and its relationship with other adjacent anatomical structures in the cat. Different anatomical preparations, including vascular and articular injection, microdissection, cryosection and plastination, were performed in 12 cadaveric cats. All TMJ anatomical structures were identified and described in detail. A thorough understanding of the TMJ anatomy is essential to understand the clinical signs associated with TMJ disorders, to locate lesions precisely and to accurately interpret the results in all diagnostic imaging techniques.

First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Motion in Homo sapiens

The metatarsal head and proximal phalanx exhibit considerable asymmetry in their shape and geometry, but there is little documentation in the literature regarding the prevalence of structural characteristics that occur in a given population. Although there is a considerable volume of in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrating first metatarsal inversion around its longitudinal axis with dorsiflexion, little is known regarding the applicability of specific morphometrics to these motions. Nine distinctive osseous characteristics in the metatarsal head and phalanx were selected based on their location, geometry, and perceived functional relationship to previous studies describing metatarsal motion as inversion with dorsiflexion. The prevalences of the chosen characteristics were determined in a cohort of 21 randomly selected skeletal specimens, 19 of which were provided by the anatomical preparation office at the University of California, San Diego, and two of which were in the possession of one of us (M.D.). The frequency of occurrence of each selected morphological characteristic in this sample and the relevant summary statistics confirm a strong association between the selected features and a conceptual two-axis kinematic model of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The selected morphometrics are consistent with inversion of the metatarsal around its longitudinal axis as it dorsiflexes.

Accessibility of extra-articular pathologies of iliopsoas tendon and bursitis of greater trochanter in hip arthroscopy

Different pathologies leading to psoas tendon pain and chronic bursitis of the greater trochanter are well known. The purpose of the study was to underline the accessibility of the psoas tendon at lesser trochanter, reproduce the results and measure the distances to anatomical landmarks. Twelve hips of six human cadavers underwent hip arthroscopy. The accessibility of the iliopsoas tendon at the lesser trochanter and the bursa at the greater trochanter was documented with the camera. In addition to the usual access portals, alternative ventral ports were analysed concerning accessibility of the lesser trochanter. Afterwards, arthroscopy needles were placed along the extra-articular portals followed by dissection. The distances of the portals in relation to important anatomical landmarks were analysed. The accessibility to the iliopsoas tendon at the lesser trochanter and to the bursa at the greater trochanter throughout the conventional portals was reproducible. Sufficient distances to the important anatomical landmarks could be shown. The mean distance of the distal ventro-lateral and the wide distal ventro-lateral portal to the nervous cutaneous femoris lateralis was 26.8±5.4mm and 32.2±3.9mm. The mean distance from the more ventral located portals to the nervous arteria and vena femoralis was 28.3±2.1mm. This is the first study known to us that describes in detail the accessibility of the extra-articular structures underlined by anatomical preparation. In addition, it was demonstrated that a more ventrally located portal had sufficient distance to the important neurovascular structures of the ventral femur and can also be used in addendum if necessary.

Bidloo’s and De Lairesse’s early illustrations of the anatomy of the arm (1690): a successful collaboration between a prominent physician and a talented artist

Govard Bidloo (1649-1713) was trained as a surgeon at the Amsterdam Guild of Surgeons, and later in his career, he became a professor of anatomy in The Hague and Leiden. At the end of the 17th century, he performed dissections on the corpses of executed criminals to teach and study anatomy. Based on his findings, he published a magnificent anatomical atlas in 1690, entitled Ontleding des Menschelijken Lichaams (Dissection of the Human Body). The talented painter Gerard De Lairesse, a pupil of Rembrandt, made the drawings of the anatomical dissections for the atlas in close collaboration with the dissector. The drawings of Bidloo and De Lairesse represent, in a unique and artistic way, an early series of anatomical preparations of the arm and hand from more than 300 years ago.

Grounds for using fenestration osteotomy at early stages of aseptic necrosis of the femur in adults

The article contains materials of experimental studies (measuring of intraosseous pressure, experiments on anatomical preparations, calculation by the finite element method), whose results made it possible to objectively ground performance of a new operation in conditions of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. These studies made it possible to use the operation at the Institute clinic and therefore are of great theoretical and practical importance.

Double innervation of the brachialis muscle: anatomic–physiological study

Double innervation of the brachialis muscle has been previously reported in anatomical studies. This study aims to investigate the frequency and clinical significance of double innervation of brachialis by anatomical and electromyographic techniques. (1) The existence, origin and pattern of distribution of a branch from the radial nerve to brachialis were dissected on 20 cadaveric arms. (2) Nerve conduction studies (NCS) of 100 patients were performed. The radial nerve was stimulated, registering muscle potentials (MP) in the brachialis muscle. Subsequently, another MP was obtained by Erb's stimulation, corresponding to the whole brachialis innervation. The relative percentage of innervation from the radial nerve was calculated. (3) Two patients with lesions of the lateral cord of the brachial plexus and preserved elbow flexion were submitted to NCS. Double innervation was found in 65 % of the anatomical preparations, following different patterns of distribution. In the NCS, 90% of the patients showed MP in the brachialis muscle after stimulating the radial nerve. The mean percentage of relative innervation was 11 %. Two patients with lesions of the lateral cord showed an important contribution from the radial nerve. Variations in the relative percentage of innervation from the radial nerve could be due to the different sizes and shapes of this branch. The functional significance of this branch can become crucial if the main innervation to the brachialis muscle fails. When planning surgical antero-external approach to the humerus, it should be kept in mind and preserved.

Filippo Pacini and nineteenth century anatomical and microscopic preparations. Comparing techniques and museum collections

As director of Physiological Museum in Florence, Filippo Pacini devoted himself to enrich the collection of anatomical preparations, which later on he expanded with a “Micrographic Museum”. In the mid-nineteenth century the histological studies had been recently developed, the microscope was the main innovation of the century. It is exactly in those years, indeed, that first microscopic collections were brought to light - alongside the traditional anatomical collections - to accomplish educational and research purposes. In Italy Pacini’s florentine collection was state-of-the-art. At that time, the collection of the Anatomical Museum of Pavia was developed and it enriched Antonio Scarpa’s microscopic preparations with those created by Bartolomeo Panizza and those donated by Josef Hyrtl in 1858. In the Anatomical Museum of Perugia, founded in 1844, the first microscopic preparations were made by Filippo Pacini and the collection was further enriched thanks to the work of Pacini’s disciple Elia Mortara (between 1862-64). In Europe one of the collection thought to be the reference point as far as the anatomical museum were concerned, was Orfila Museum in Paris, that the scientist of Pistoia knew well, as evidenced by the notes in his manuscript. Mathieu Orfila was a chemist and a passionate researcher who was particularly interested in poisons and preservatives solutions, issue on which extensively worked also Pacini, leaving many writings and notes on the best solutions for conservative anatomical specimens (Pacini 1861; Pacini 1880).

Einfache Regeln zur Orientierung bei der transkutanen Ptosischirurgie – Ein Beitrag zur chirurgischen Anatomie des Oberlides, oder: Wie man sich im Oberlid nicht verirrt

Surgical preparation in the upper eyelid follows well defined anatomic structures. Nevertheless, even an experienced surgeon can loose orientation in the presence of fatty degeneration, oedema or bleeding. Some simple rules can help to stay oriented and identify the landmarks. The preaponeurotic fat has a distinct colour, structure and texture and is a landmark for the levator muscle lying underneath it. This defines a first simple rule: it is not preaponeurotic fat if it does not look like preaponeurotic fat. The orbital septum may weaken and allow orbital fat to prolapse, but it stays firmly attached at the upper orbital rim. A second simple rule therefore adresses its identification: if a structure does not move with inferior tension, it cannot be muscle or fat (it must be septum). Identifying the landmarks preaponeurotic fat, orbital septum and tarsus will facilitate anatomic correlation and surgical preparation. In summary: Rule No. 1--If it does not look like preaponeurotic fat, then it isn't. Rule No. 2--If it does not move with traction, it is neither muscle nor fat (but probably septum). Rule No. 3--If things get confusing, stop and consider rules 1 and 2.

Anatomical study of the human sole of the foot by 4-dimensional CT angiographic vascular imaging – its suitability as composite tissue allotransplantation graft for foot defects

The reconstruction of the weight-bearing sole is a challenge for every plastic surgeon. Composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) of the sole of the foot may be a good therapeutic option for patients with large defects in the weight bearing area of the foot. As part of the preparation for a CTA of the sole, we sought to prepare for technical aspects related to preparation and perfusion of the human sole, on the basis of a systematic anatomical study, in combination with 4-dimensional computed tomography-angiography. An anatomical study was performed on 10 cadaver feet. CT images of the feet were prepared in a GE light speed 16-line computed tomogram (CT) before and after the preparation of the sole. After each CT scan, contrast medium was injected in 0.2 ml steps over the posterior tibial artery. Good images of the vessels of the sole from all 10 feet were achieved after recovery of the posterior tibial artery with accessory veins, the tibial nerve, the medial calcaneal branches from the posterior tibial artery, the abductor hallucis, digitorum brevis, abductor digiti minimi, lumbricales and interossea plantares muscles, even after preparation of the soles. With this systematic anatomical preparation of the soles of the feet from human cadaver preparations, in combination with 4-dimensional CT angiography, we were able to demonstrate the technical feasibility of sole transplantation. CT angiography should be performed preoperatively, in order to demonstrate that the vessels are patent as pedicle for the sole of the foot.

Can't Get There from Here: Limitations of Anatomic Femoral Tunnel Preparation Using a Transtibial Technique in Hamstring ACL Reconstruction

Can't Get There from Here: Limitations of Anatomic Femoral Tunnel Preparation Using a Transtibial Technique in Hamstring ACL Reconstruction

Discovering the elusive Beauchêne: The originator of the disarticulated anatomic technique

The identity of the Beauchêne bearing the name of the widely used disarticulated anatomic technique has remained elusive over the years. This article traces the skull technique to its originator, Edmé François Chauvot de Beauchêne (ca. 1780-1830), an anatomist and surgeon. In addition to pioneering this innovative anatomic preparation, Edmé François reported the first known case of an intraneural cyst in 1810 and pulmonary air embolism in 1818. The credit has been incorrectly attributed to Claude Beauchêne, an imaginary anatomist in Paris in the 1850s, or to his famous father, Edmé Pierre Chauvot de Beauchêne (1749-1825), a psychologist and physician. The significant accomplishments of Edmé François Chauvot de Beauchêne (Beauchêne fils or Beauchêne son) in medicine have been overshadowed by those of his distinguished father and should be fully recognized.

The anatomical collection of Giovan Battista Rini (1795–1856):

Eight anatomical preparations from the collection of Giovan Battista Rini (1795-1856) at the Desenzano Hospital Pathology Division (Brescia, Italy) were examined by computed tomography (CT). The aim of the study was to obtain detailed information on the state of preservation of these "anatomical mummies" and the techniques used to prepare them. Relying on the existing literature, the examined specimens (five heads with necks, two busts and one heart) could be divided into three types of anatomical specimens: "dry preparations," "corrosion preparations," and "organ preparations." CT examination enabled the assessment of the exact features of each specimen, some of the preparation techniques applied, the presence of foreign bodies, and the use of substances to fill the blood vessels. All of the cases demonstrated an extremely good state of preservation. The study sheds new light on important-yet scarcely known-preparation techniques created for different anatomical demonstrations. Results of the CT investigation were consistent with the anatomical preservation methods described in 18th to 20th century literature, particularly those of Italy.

Computed tomography of the abdomen in Saanen goats: III. Kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder

This study describes the findings of computed tomography (CT) of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and adrenal glands in 28 healthy female Saanen goats. CT examination and anatomical slice preparation postmortem was performed as described in the first communication. After subjective evaluation of the CT images, various variables including the size, volume and density of the kidneys, the diameter of the ureters and the size of the adrenal glands were measured. The targeted organs could be accurately visualised using CT and there was very good topographical agreement between the CT images and the anatomical preparations. The kidneys, renal vessels, ureters, urinary bladder and adrenal glands were seen in all goats.

CAUSES OF NECROSIS IN OPERATIONS WITH DESCENDING SIGMOID INTESTINE

The edge vessel along the left flank of the colon has been examined on fifty preparations of the left half of colon and rectum by means of barium suspension pouring, X-Ray examinations and anatomical preparations. It has been revealed that Reolan’s arc was contracted up to 1-1,3 mm in 22 % cases, anastomose between the left colon and first sigmoid flexure was contracted up to 0,5 mm in 2 % cases, anastomose between sigmoid vessels was absent in 4 % cases it was contracted up to 0,3 mm in 2 % cases, the anastomose between first-second sigmoid vessels was absent in 4% and was contracted up to 0,3 mm in 2 % of cases. The edge vessels between second-third sigmoid vessels were absent in 16 %, between sigmoid arteries 3-4 were absent in 32 %, between sigmoid vessels 4-5 were absent in 6 cases out 7. Due to the absence of the anastomose rohile necrosis may occur in descending sigmoid intestine lower the place where the rohere anastomose was absent. In such cases it is necessary to perform the revascularization of the sigmoid flexure.

A new sulcus-corrected approach for assessing cerebellar volume in spinocerebellar ataxia

Precise volumetry of the cerebellum still remains challenging, due to thin sulci and gyri. We present a new fast and reliable sulcus-corrected approach for quantitative assessment of cerebellar atrophy, evaluated on patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). Thin-sliced T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (MPRAGE) were acquired in 11 genetically confirmed SCA6 patients and in a group of age-matched control subjects ( n = 14). Post-processing involves a morphological image segmentation pipeline as a basis for a sulcus-corrected cerebellar volume measurement. Cerebellar volumes and intra-rater, inter-rater and scan–rescan reproducibility were quantified. Reliability of the measurements was validated using an anatomical preparation of the cerebellum. Repeatability coefficients (RC: intra-rater/inter-rater/scan–rescan) of the method were 1.07%/1.11%/1.35%. Absolute cerebellar volumes showed good agreement with the actual volume of the anatomical preparation. The cerebellar volume of the SCA 6 was 96.3 ± 12.1 ml (mean ± S.D.), which was significantly lower than the results of the corresponding control groups. The cerebellar volume correlated significantly to clinical dysfunction in SCA6. This is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility of a new sulcus-corrected approach to assess cerebellar volume. In contrast to currently used methods, this new approach may be more sensitive even to small atrophic changes affecting sulcal widening.

Topographical anatomy of central venous system in extremely low‐birth weight neonates less than 1000 grams and the effect of central venous catheter placement

Central venous catheterization is widely used in neonatology. Although ultrasonic guidance for central venous catheter placement is available, complications occur significantly more frequently in infants, especially neonates, than in adults. This study seeks to determine the characteristics, topographical conditions, regional relationships, and diameters of the venous structures of the upper extremity and the thoracic central venous system in extremely small preterm neonates (mean: 900 g). Nine formaldehyde-fixed preterm stillborns were prepared (mean 27 2/7 weeks' gestational age). The anatomical preparation involved the complete thoracic wall, neck and shoulder region, and preparation of the upper extremities. It was shown that the course of the internal jugular vein can be influenced by rotation of the head. Maximum head rotation (80°) to the contralateral side leads the internal jugular vein to overlap the common carotid artery and sharpens the confluence angle of the internal jugular into the brachiocephalic vein. We propose that this has the potential to result in dislocation of the catheter. Less rotation of the head (<30°) is favorable as the internal jugular vein and common carotid artery run in parallel. Commonly used central venous catheters (2F-4F) may not occlude the vascular lumen completely. Small central venous cannulation using a single-orifice catheter through arm veins (1F) may also not occlude peripheral vessels of the upper extremity (cephalic and basilic veins). The right internal jugular vein has a straight course, appears suitable for central venous access and less hazardous, especially when using stiff catheters. The use of small straight wire guides is recommended.

Vascularization of the mandibular condylar head with respect to intracapsular fractures of mandible

Background Causes of mandibular condylar (condylar) head necrosis as a consequence of intracapsular mandibular fractures are still a subject of controversy. Objectives To investigate why in some cases of intracapsular fractures condylar head necrosis occurs. Material 58 human heads from the collection of Head and Neck Clinical Anatomy Laboratory, from the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland, constituted the material. Study Head arterial tree injections, anatomical preparation with the use of standard set of microsurgical equipment and an operating microscope. Results The main source of condylar head vascularization is the inferior alveolar artery, supplying bone marrow of the whole mandible as well as its cortical layer. Additional arterial blood supplying comes from a various number (2–7) of branches supplying the temporomandibular joint capsule. They originate directly from the maxillary artery or from its primary branches: masseteric artery, external pterygoid artery or superficial temporal artery. Two rare variants of accessory mandibular head vascularization were encountered. The first (2 cases) was an arterial branch from the maxillary artery and the second (1 case) was a branch from the external pterygoid artery. In these cases the arterial supply of lateral part of temporomandibular joint capsule from other sources was reduced. Conclusion Fractures resulting in the lateral part of the condylar head in isolation could be potentially threatened by necrosis because of poor vascularization.

Study of the optimum diameter of pins and rods in external hinged fixing devices for treatment of wrist joint damages

Determination of the rational diameter of pins and rods for external hinged fixing devices was made on the basis of an anatomical-biochemical experiment on anatomical preparations and mathematical modelling. The article contains data of the rational diameter of pins and rods in external fixing devices for the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints depending upon their material, type of the device fixation and expected levels of loading.