Anatomical Study Research Articles

Association between the Anatomical Location of Glioblastoma and Its Evaluation with Clinical Considerations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Glioblastoma is a primary malignant brain tumor; it is aggressive with a high degree of malignancy and unfavorable prognosis and is the most common type of malignant brain tumor. Glioblastomas can be located in the brain, cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord, originating from glial cells, particularly astrocytes. Methods: The databases MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CINAHL were researched up to January 2024. Two authors independently performed the search, study selection, and data extraction. Methodological quality was evaluated with an assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). The statistical mean, standard deviation, and difference of means calculated with the Student's t-test for presence between hemispheres and presence in the frontal and temporal lobes were analyzed. Results: A total of 123 studies met the established selection criteria, with a total of 6224 patients. In relation to the mean, GBM between hemispheres had a mean of 33.36 (SD 58.00) in the right hemisphere and a mean of 34.70 (SD 65.07) in the left hemisphere, due to the difference in averages between hemispheres. There were no statistically significant differences, p = 0.35. For the comparison between the presence of GBM in the frontal lobe and the temporal lobe, there was a mean in the frontal lobe of 23.23 (SD 40.03), while in the temporal lobe, the mean was 22.05 (SD 43.50), and for the difference in means between the frontal lobe and the temporal lobe, there was no statistically significant difference for the presence of GBM, p = 0.178. Conclusions: We believe that before a treatment, it will always be correct to know where the GBM is located and how it behaves clinically, in order to generate correct conservative or surgical treatment guidelines for each patient. We believe that more detailed studies are also needed to show why GBM is associated more with some regions than others, despite the brain structure being homologous to other regions in which GMB occurs less frequently, which is why knowing its predominant presence in brain regions is very important.

Perspectives on animal experimentation in herbal medicine research: ethical dilemmas and scientific progress

Animal experimentation has long been an integral part of biomedical and cosmetics research, with historical roots dating back to ancient Greece. During that period, physicians constrained by cultural taboos that forbade the use of human cadavers, turned to the dissection of animals for their anatomical studies. The use of specific animal models in research has often been justified by the remarkable biological similarities between animals and humans. However, there are instances where animal models, such as fish and frogs, are used, despite significant disparities in their anatomy and physiology compared to humans. In herbal medicine research, animal experimentation has found various applications. Numerous plant species from diverse global regions, including the United Kingdom, United States, China, India, and Africa, have been studied to identify their pharmacological properties and therapeutic indications. Nevertheless, the use of animals in these studies, while offering undeniable advantages, remains a subject of intense debate and contention, mainly arising from the ethical challenges it presents, as well as the substantial financial burden it imposes, and its inability to reliably predict human responses. This paper, therefore, proposes a comprehensive list of research methodologies that are ethical, practical, cost-effective, and consistent with the real ethos of herbal medicine. These alternative methods, which include in vitro studies, human cell cultures, computational modelling, culturally sensitive clinical trials, and ethnobotanical surveys, have the potential to provide cost-effective healthcare solutions, without subjecting animals to unnecessary suffering.

Upper end of the central canal of the human spinal cord: Quantitative anatomical study and 3D modeling

AbstractThe upper end of the central canal of the human spinal cord has been repeatedly implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, yet its precise normal position in the medulla oblongata and upper cervical spinal cord remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to describe the anatomy of the upper end of the central canal with quantitative measurements and a three‐dimensional (3D) model. Seven formalin‐embalmed human brainstems were included, and the central canal was identified in serial axial histological sections using epithelial membrane antigen antibody staining. Measurements included the distances between the central canal (CC) and the anterior medullary fissure (AMF) and the posterior medullary sulcus (PMS). The surface and perimeter of the CC and the spinal cord were calculated, and its anterior–posterior and maximum lateral lengths were measured for 3D modeling. The upper end of the CC was identified in six specimens, extending from the apertura canalis centralis (ACC) to its final position in the cervical cord. Positioned on the midline, it reaches its final location approximately 15 mm below the obex. No specimen showed canal dilatation, focal stenosis, or evidence of syringomyelia. At 21 mm under the ACC in the cervical cord, the median distance from the CC to the AMF was 3.14 (2.54–3.15) mm and from the CC to the PMS was 5.19 (4.52–5.43) mm, with a progressive shift from the posterior limit to the anterior third of the cervical spinal cord. The median area of the CC was consistently less than 0.1 mm2. The upper end of the CC originates at the ACC, in the posterior part of the MO, and reaches its normal position in the anterior third of the cervical spinal cord less than 2 cm below the obex. Establishing the normal position of the upper end of this canal is crucial for understanding its possible involvement in cranio‐cervical junction pathologies.

Comparative Investigation of Tongue and Esophagus Morphometry in Swiss Albino and Balb-c Mice

This study was carried out to obtain morphometric measurement values of tongue and esophagus in Swiss Albino and Balb-c mice, to examine the biometric differences of these measurements between sexes and groups. Thirty-two mice, 16 Swiss Albino (8 males, 8 females) and 16 Balb-c (8 males, 8 females), were used for this study. Mice anesthetized with the ketamine-xylazine combination were fixed by the technique. The tongue and esophagus of the mice were carefully dissected and removed. Then, morphometric measurements of the dissected organs were taken, and statistical analysis was performed. When the morphometric measurement values were examined, it was seen that all of the measurement values obtained from both Swiss Albino and Balb-c mice were higher in males than in females. Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in all morphometric measurement values of tongue and esophagus in both mouse races (p<0.05). Additionally, positive and significant correlations were found between morphometric measurement values of tongue and esophagus in both groups according to gender. Differences in morphometric measurement values of the tongue and esophagus were determined between genders and groups in Swiss Albino and Balb-c mice. Furthermore, this study provided basic morphometric data that will benefit various scientific fields related to the tongue and esophagus in these animals, especially anatomical studies.

Dorsal wrist ganglion: clinical and imaging correlation in symptomatic population based on high-field MRI.

To determine prevalence in the symptomatic population of dorsal mucoid cysts centered on dorsal capsuloscapholunate septum (DCSS) using high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for anatomoclinical and epidemiological correlations. This single-center retrospective study analyzed all 3-Tesla MRIs consecutively performed for painful wrists in 295 patients. Two blinded readers performed measurements. The protocol included T1 spin echo and 3D proton density sequences with fat saturation. Inter-observer reliability was assessed using kappa and intra-class correlation coefficients for cyst detection and volumetry, respectively. Disagreements concerning cyst detection were resolved by a consensus reading. Cyst size, relationship to extrinsic and scapholunate ligaments (SL), continuity of SL, minimum distance to the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN), cyst communication with joint, and anatomical classifications of cysts were analyzed. Correlation tests were performed to assess associations. Two-hundred ninety-five patients (mean age 39.6 +/- 15.6 (standard deviation), 161 males) were evaluated for detection of dorsal wrist cysts identified in 150/295. In this subgroup, the mean age was 38.7 years (15-75), the sex ratio of 0.6 (59% women), and the median volume cyst of 8.7 mm3 (0.52-2555). Cyst detection, volume, and major axis measurements showed very high agreement between observers, respectively, 0.89, 0.96, and 0.91. 42 patients had dorsal SL pain. A weak negative correlation was found between distance to PIN and dorsal SL pain (r = -0.2415; p < 0.05) and a weak positive correlation between Guérini's classification and dorsal SL pain (r = 0.2466; p < 0.05). High-field MRI is the modality of choice for the detection, anatomical, and volumetric assessment of dorsal cysts. Preoperative assessment will be aided by the proposed revised anatomical classification. High-field MRI is the modality of choice for the anatomical study of dorsal ganglion cysts. It allows the radiologist to accurately describe the anatomical relationships, size, and visibility of the pedicle, essential information for the surgeon's preoperative assessment. Dorsal mucoid wrist ganglion is a condition for which prevalence remains to be determined. High-field MRI is a reproducible imaging modality for the detection and assessment of dorsal wrist cysts. High-field MRI has a key role in the preoperative management of dorsal mucoid cysts.

Anatomical study of the safety corridor for bridge plating positioned on the lateral border of the humerus.

This study shows the danger zone and the safety corridor in the lateral approach with bridge plating by measuring the distance between the lateral side of the plate positioned on the lateral aspect of the humerus and the radial nerve after it pierces the lateral intermuscular septum, in the different forearm positions. Forty arms of 20 human cadavers were used, the radial nerve was identified and marked on the lateral surface the radial nerve at the exit of the lateral intermuscular septum and anteriorisation of the nerve in relation to the humeral shaft and the lateral epicondyle was also marked. The distances were measured with a digital caliper. A submuscular extraperiosteal corridor was created, proximally between the biceps brachialis and deltoid muscle and distally between the triceps and brachioradialis muscle, followed by the positioning of the low contact large fragments contoured plate with 14 combined holes (fixed and cortical angle), inserted from distal to proximal. Measurements were performed in four positions (elbow flexion with forearm pronation, elbow flexion with forearm supination, elbow extension with forearm pronation and elbow extension with forearm supination). Significant statistical differences occurred with the different positions, and the elbow flexion with forearm supination was shown to be the position that provides the safest submuscular extraperiosteal corridor in a lateral approach of the humerus. The danger zone of radial nerve is an area that extends from 15cm to 5cm proximal to the lateral epicondyle and the safest way to create a submuscular and extraperiosteal corridor in the lateral region of the humerus is with the elbow in flexion and the forearm in supination.

Skene's glands and urethral diverticula: comparative insights from an anatomical and histological study

Skene's glands and urethral diverticula: comparative insights from an anatomical and histological study

Rhexoxylon piatnitzkyi and its ancient adversaries: deciphering plant-beetle interactions and its palaeoecological significance in the Ischigualasto Formation (Upper Triassic, Argentina)

ABSTRACT We present the anatomical study of axes of the corystosperm Rhexoxylon piatnitzkyi and the interactions of this plant with wood-boring beetles. We used a CT scanner and thin sections to reconstruct the boring pattern inside the plant axes, as well as the tissues affected by the beetle. The galleries were abundant in the branch of R. piatnitzkyi, including both longitudinal and transverse borings, and less frequent in the trunks. The galleries are bored preferentially in the secondary phloem and in the pith. The position of the galleries as well as the cell and tissue composition of the frass indicates that the borer was mainly a corticophagous insect. The sample also presents evidence of white rot by lignivorous fungi, and fragments of tracheids can be recognised in the frass that fills the galleries, indicating that the borer had some capacity to feed on decayed wood. The anatomical features of the secondary xylem and phloem suggest that the plant deployed defence mechanisms against the fungal decay and/or the boring beetle. This is the first evidence of insect galleries in axes of corystosperms, a dominant group of plants during the Triassic in Gondwana, and the first possible record of cerambycid borings.

An anatomical feasibility study using the first metatarsal head as a vascularized bone graft for proximal pole of scaphoid reconstruction.

A cadaveric study showed that vascularized transfer of the articular surface of the ipsilateral first metatarsal head with the lateral collateral ligament could be suitable for reconstruction of the proximal pole of scaphoid and scapholunate ligament. Further study of the technique is recommended.

Ventricular Complementarity

Objective: Through research that we have carried out continuously in recent years and that includes the sequence of cardiac activation, anatomical studies, physiological experiences on the protodiastolic phase, ventricular septal interdependence, clinical and experimental research on negative intraventricular pressure and the suction mechanism, we reach the understanding of biventricular complementarity. Methods: The endo- and epicardial electrical activation sequence of the left ventricle has been studied using three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping with a Carto navigation that allows a three-dimensional anatomical representation, including five patients. Results: Diastole is divided into two phases. In the first, the ventricular volume does not vary, it is isometric, but with energy expenditure its morphology changes generating intraventricular negative pressure, call protodiastolic phase of myocardial contraction. During the second phase, ventricular filling occurs without energy expenditure. Conclusions: The asynchrony between the RV and LV cycles allows the interaction between expulsion and loading of each of them.

First Report of Glauconome chinensis (Gray, 1828) from West Bengal-Odisha Coast, India

The intertidal marine bivalve Glauconome chinensis (Chinese glauconome), Gray 1828 is a burrowing benthic fauna inhabiting in soft muddy to sandy sediments of Western pacific mangrove areas. The specimen is characterised by long siphon (inhalant and exhalent) for feeding and a prominent foot for locomotion. They are mostly gonochoric, few are sometimes protandric hermaphrodites. According to Gray’s description their embryonic development starts through free swimming trochophore larvae and succeeded by the veliger. Glauconome chinensis has been rediscovered for the first time from the intertidal coastal mangrove areas of Talsari, confluence of Subarnarekha estuary of West Bengal-Odisha coast, India. Quadrates having areas of 1m² were placed randomly on study sites and the studied specimens were unearthed, counted their size, biomas, population density and distribution pattern. Physico-chemical parameters were also evaluated. For anatomical study tissues were fixed in 4% formalin solution and processed through alcoholic grades. Body length, siphon, gill, mantle, foot, adductor muscles, digestive gland and gonads were examined. The studied specimens were stayed in 10-40cm depth from sediment surface and showed clumped distribution pattern. The mean length, width and biomass of the specimen were 39.2(mm) ±0.393, 14.5(mm) ±0.351and 3.89(gm) ±0.382 respectively. The report on the occurrence of such intertidal bivalve adds relevant data for the good assessment of food chain and food web of marine coastal mangrove ecosystem. The present study also aims to gather knowledge of valuable ecological services of Glauconome chinensis and to maintain the biological integrity of West Bengal-Odisha coastal region with Bay of Bengal.

A novel surgical technique for revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using an isolated rectus femoris tendon autograft.

Only a few anatomic studies have described an isolated rectus femoris tendon autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This study aims to demonstrate a new surgical technique utilising the rectus femoris tendon for ACL reconstruction. This study hypothesises that the rectus tendon autograft will yield satisfying postoperative outcomes in terms of stability, with minimal complications at the harvest site. This retrospective study investigated the outcomes of 28 revision ACL reconstructions using a rectus tendon autograft with a mean follow-up of 41.7 (range, 24.0-64.8) months. A 3cm longitudinal incision was used to harvest the rectus tendon with an open tendon stripper. Intraoperative collected data included the length of the tendon and thickness of a 4-fold graft. Further outcome parameters include anterior cruciate ligament stability and range of motion. Additionally, postoperative complications, especially donor site morbidity, were documented in type and frequency. The mean tendon length measured 32.4cm (range, 30-35cm). After preparing a 4-fold graft, the mean diameter was 9.2mm (range, 8.0-10mm) at the tibial and 9.0mm (range, 7.5-10mm) at the femoral end. Stability evaluated by the Lachman test improved significantly from 2 (Interquartile range (IQR), 2-3) preoperatively to 0 (IQR, 0-1) postoperatively (p < .001). Rerupture of the anterior cruciate ligament graft was observed in 2 patients (7.1%). Four patients showed a persistent extension deficit of about 5 degrees postoperatively. Two of them underwent revision surgery due to a Cyclops lesion. Only one patient complained of prolonged pain at the harvest site (3.6%). The 4-fold rectus tendon represents a novel autograft technique in revision ACL reconstruction. This study provides evidence of appropriate graft dimensions and satisfying postoperative outcomes regarding stability. The technique is associated with a low complication rate at the harvest site. Case series; Level of evidence, IV.

Motor Branching Pattern of the Radial Nerve for Hyperselective Neurectomy: From Anatomy to Clinical Translation

Predominant or isolated spasticity of the triceps following upper motor neuron injury is rare and often unmasked once the spastic elbow flexors are addressed. The purpose of this study was to delineate the motor branching pattern of the radial nerve to determine the feasibility of hyperselective neurectomies (HSN) for triceps spasticity. Dissections of the motor branch to each triceps head were performed on 11 upper-extremity specimens. The numbers of trunks, branching patterns, and muscle entry points were recorded in reference to the acromion to interepicondylar line. Based on anatomic studies, 10 patients underwent a combined fractional lengthening and HSN procedure for triceps spasticity. Patient demographics, time from diagnosis, and complications were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and total active elbow arc of motion were compared. The first branch from the radial nerve was consistently a single trunk to the long triceps head. There were many variations in the branching pattern and number of trunks to the lateral and medial heads of the triceps with motor entry points between 31% and 95% of the acromion to interepicondylar line distance. Ten patients (six men and four women; mean age: 48.5 years) underwent the combined procedure. Mean total active elbow arc of motion improved from 78° before surgery to 111° after surgery, with a 17.5° increase in active elbow flexion. Compared with a mean preoperative triceps MAS of 2.75, nine patients had triceps MAS of 0 at a mean of 10.2 months of follow-up. There was no loss of functional elbow extension and no directly related complications. Given the variable motor entry points, HSN to each triceps head would require extensive dissection. Therefore, a combined approach consisting of fractional lengthening of the long head and lateral head with HSN of the triceps medial head is recommended to address triceps spasticity. Therapeutic V.

Research progress in the anatomy and surgical approach of the parapharyngeal space

The parapharyngeal space, a complex fascial compartment within the head and neck region, encompasses crucial anatomical structures including blood vessels and nerves. Tumors occurring within this space are rare, with the majority being benign in nature. Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment modality; however, managing parapharyngeal space tumors poses significant challenges due to their intricate anatomical configuration. Conventional open surgical approaches have been associated with significant tissue damage and a high prevalence of postoperative complications. Recently, advancements in anatomical studies and surgical techniques have led to significant progress in understanding parapharyngeal space anatomy and improving surgical management. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these developments.

Endoscopic transorbital approach to the petrous apex: is orbital rim removal worthwhile for the exposure? An anatomical study with illustrative case.

The endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) has been demonstrated to be a feasible ventral route to the petrous apex. Yet, it has been pointed to as a deep and narrow corridor for anterior petrosectomy; particularly, medialization of the instruments can become an issue when targeting the petroclival area. To overcome this limitation, an ETOA with orbital rim removal (ETOA-OR) has been suggested, but not de facto compared, with a transorbital approach without removal of the rim. This addition could augment the surgical exposure and freedom of movement when accessing the petrous apex area. Five human cadaveric heads (10 sides) were dissected. First, anterior petrosectomy was performed via a conventional ETOA (without orbital rim removal). Second, en bloc removal of the orbital rim was performed, with enlargement of the orbital craniectomy and, subsequently, further drilling of the medial petrous apex. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons are provided. An illustrative surgical case is also shown. The transorbital route allowed the authors to perform an anterior petrosectomy in all specimens. The landmarks of bone removal are superposed onto those in the transcranial route. The ETOA-OR increased the volume of craniectomy (from 4.0 mL to 5.5 mL), the lateromedial angulation, and superoinferior angulation of the instruments within the petrous area. Thus, this approach improved the exposure of the medial petroclival area, allowing for an augmented petrosectomy (from 1.4 mL to 2.0 mL, 39.5% increase) and for increased maneuverability, both in the petrous area (from 44.1 cm2 to 76.5 cm2, 73.3% increase) and in the posterior fossa (from 20.2 cm2 to 52.0 cm2, 158% increase). The ETOA-OR was also pragmatically applied to treat a recurrent petroclival meningioma. Complete removal was achieved, the abducens nerve palsy improved, and the trigeminal neuralgia decreased in severity, yet still required medication. The authors provide the first formal anatomical comparison between the transorbital approach with preservation of the orbital rim and a transorbital approach with removal of the rim to access the petrous apex. In addition, an illustrative case is used as a proof of concept and feasibility. According to the authors' data, the ETOA-OR significantly improves surgical exposure and the surgeon's comfort in this deep region. The bony defect can be reconstructed to avoid cosmetic deformities, maintaining the minimally disruptive concept of transorbital surgery.

Safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous flexor retinaculum release of the ankle: an anatomical study

Safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous flexor retinaculum release of the ankle: an anatomical study

Mapping Origins of Tendons on the Medial Epicondyle to Improve Treatment of Medial Epicondylitis: Anatomical Study

Medial epicondylitis is a tendinosis found commonly in throwing and golfing athletes. Although there are choices for nonsurgical treatments, when these fail, surgical intervention can be considered. When surgical treatment is performed, the objective is to debride the diseased tissue from the epicondyle. The purpose of this study was to clarify the locations and size of the common flexor tendons and medial collateral ligament (MCL) relative to each other and to the posterior ridge of the medial epicondyle. The common flexor tendons and MCL were dissected and reflected their origin on the medial epicondyle in six cadaver elbows. Measurements were taken from the posterior and distal ridges of the medial epicondyle with respect to the humerus. Each origin was also measured for its height and width. The flexor carpi ulnaris origin starts at a mean of 4.2 mm from the posterior ridge of the medial epicondyle and extends anteriorly an average of 4.8 mm. The flexor carpi radialis starts at a mean of 4.2 mm from the posterior ridge and extends anteriorly an average of 7.4 mm. The pronator teres begins at a mean of 4.6 mm from the posterior ridge and extends an average of 5.7 mm anteriorly. The MCL starts at an average of 10.4 mm from the posterior ridge and extends 5.2 mm anteriorly. The measurements found have allowed the creation of a map of the specific common flexor tendon origins and their sizes on the medial epicondyle, as well as their position relative to the MCL. A surgeon may debride 1 cm anteriorly from the posterior ridge of the medial epicondyle to safely address the affected tissues and ensure the safety and integrity of the MCL.

Novel Technique for Single-Site, Ultrasound-Guided Release of the Cubital Tunnel: An Anatomic Feasibility Study

Novel Technique for Single-Site, Ultrasound-Guided Release of the Cubital Tunnel: An Anatomic Feasibility Study

A comprehensive examination of camel (Camelus Dromedaries) otic prominence through morphological and CT imaging studies

BackgroundThis study explored the morphological anatomy of otic prominences in camels using advanced computed tomography (CT). Nine adult cadaver camel heads underwent CT scanning to generate detailed images of the otic prominences, mastoid process, styloid process, stylomastoid foramen, external acoustic meatus, bulla tympanica, and muscular processes. The morphological anatomy of otic prominences was studied in nine skulls.ResultsThe anatomical features were analyzed, revealing a compact and closely collected configuration of otic prominences. Unique characteristics of the mastoid process, bulla tympanica, and styloid process were observed, challenging the conventional descriptions.ConclusionsThis study underscores the value of CT scans in enhancing anatomical studies and provides insights into comparative veterinary anatomy, facilitating the evaluation of various conditions and disorders in camels.

Comparative analysis of the processes involved in the loss of elaiophores in two species of the christianelloid clade (Malpighiaceae).

Alicia anisopetala and Callaeum psilophyllum are two closely related species that belong to the christianelloid clade of the family Malpighiaceae. Both species are pollinated by oil-collecting bees and exhibit variations at specimen and population level in the number of elaiophores per flower. These floral glands that secrete non-volatile oils constitute an ancestral trait for the family. There is evidence that the observed variations in the number of elaiophores can be the result of processes of connation or reduction associated with differences in their vascularization. In order to identify which process occurs in each species, we conducted an anatomical study in natural populations of both species distributed along a wide range of their geographical distributions in Argentina. We collected flowers of different individuals, counted the number of elaiophores per flower, carried out exomorphological observations, and used conventional histological techniques to examine the vascularization of these glands. The floral anatomy of both species does not show any modifications in other whorls related to the fusion or reduction of elaiophores. Our results indicate that the process of loss of elaiophores in A. anisopetala is caused by incomplete connation and in C. psilophyllum by reduction, suggesting that the processes that lead to the loss of elaiophores in Malpighiaceae are homoplastic and would not reflect phylogenetic signals.