Psoas Minor Research Articles

Description and Outcomes of an Ultrasound-Guided Technique for Catheter Placement in the Canine Quadratus Lumborum Plane: A Cadaveric Tomographic Study and Clinical Case Series.

This study aimed to describe an ultrasound-guided technique for implanting catheters for local anesthetic administration into the quadratus lumborum (QL) inter-fascial plane in canine cadavers and assessing the spread along the vertebral bodies (VBs) by computed tomography (CT). Phase 1: eight canine cadavers received one catheter per hemiabdomen, followed by injection of contrast media solution [low volume (LV) 0.3 mL kg-1 or high volume (HV) 0.6 mL kg-1]. Phase 2: postoperative pain of five dogs was managed by injecting 0.3 mL kg-1 of ropivacaine 0.5% through QL catheters every eight hours, up to 72 h after abdominal surgery. Pain was assessed using the Short Form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale, and methadone 0.2 mg kg-1 was administered intravenously when the pain score was ≥6. The number of VBs stained by the contrast solution between the QL and psoas minor muscles was significantly higher in group HV than group LV. The catheter tip was visualized in the retroperitoneal space in 1/16 and 2/10 hemiabdomens in phases 1 and 2, respectively. Rescue analgesia was required in 3/5 dogs during the postoperative period. The QL catheter placement technique appears feasible and may be included in a multimodal analgesic approach for dogs undergoing abdominal surgeries.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL CADAVERIC STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE AND MORPHOMETRY OF PSOAS MINOR MUSCLE IN WESTERN MAHARASHTRA

Introduction:The Psoas minor muscle is a long, elongated, spindle-shaped muscle thatis rarelypresent in the human body. Despite its relatively minor role in human biomechanics, understanding its prevalence and morphology can be crucial in certain surgical and diagnostic contexts. Aim:The primary aim of this cross-sectional cadaveric study is to investigate the prevalence and describe the morphometry of the Psoas minor muscle in a population from western Maharashtra. Materials and Methods:63 well-preservedformalin-fixed and soft-embalmed human cadavers were examined during routine dissection. The prevalence, sexual dimorphism, morphology, morphometry, and laterality of Psoas minor muscle were assessed.Digital vernier calipers and tape measure were used to measure the psoas minor muscle morphometry. Result:The study reveals a prevalence rate of 33.33% for the Psoas minor muscle in the studied population. The muscle was present in 21 cadavers out of 63 cadavers. It was bilateral in 17.46% (11/63) cadavers and unilateral in 15.87% (10/63) cadavers. In all the examined cases muscle took origin from a T12-L1 vertebra, and was distally connected to the iliopubic eminence.The muscle was found unilaterally in 05 males and 05 female cadavers, and bilaterally in 07 males and 04 female cadavers. Conclusion:The study provides valuable insights into the presence and anatomical characteristics of the Psoas minor muscle among the population of Western Maharashtra. The prevalence as well as morphometry and morphology of this muscle is of significant academic interest for anatomists, surgeons, radiologists, kinesiologists, and physiotherapists for diagnostic purposes.

Reappraisal of the morphological and morphometric study of the psoas minor muscle with clinical and developmental insights: cadaveric study.

The Psoas Minor (PMi) is the most unstable muscle of the psoas group of the posterior abdominal muscle. This muscle has a fusiform shape and consists of a short fusiform belly continuing distally as a long tendon inserted on the pecten pubis and the iliopectineal arch. The present study was conducted to obtain more detailed information about the muscle and to expand knowledge about its morphology and morphometry. The posterior abdominal wall of 30 adult cadavers was dissected. Anatomical variabilities in origin, insertion, length, width, and muscle-to-cone ratio were measured when PMi was found. The data collected was interpreted descriptively. PMi was found in 12 cases, ten bilateral and two unilateral. The origin was constant in all cases and, except for three cases, extended into the iliac fascia and the iliopubic eminence. Morphometric analysis revealed that the average length of the proximal muscle belly and distal tendons was 4.52 ± 1.35 cm and 13.05 ± 0.90 cm, respectively. The mean width of the muscle belly was 1.71 ± 0.17 cm, and that of the tendon was 0.47 ± 0.10 cm. On average, the muscle belly occupied the proximal 33.71 ± 6.15% of the total musculotendinous unit. Findings confirm the inconsistency of PMi in the study population. Morphological variations became more evident as the tendon approached the insertion level. The muscle's distal attachment to the iliac fascia may partially control the position, mechanical stability of the underlying iliopsoas and this circumstantial function may be clinically related to iliopsoas inflammation and pathology. However, further studies recommended to determine biomechanical validity and clinical applicability of this vestigial muscle in human.

Bilateral Psoas Minor: A Case Report with Clinical, Embryological, and Evolutionary Insights

A 57-year-old female cadaver donated for research contained an accidental bilateral presence of the psoas minor (PMn) muscle. Bilateral PMn is a rare finding but it may be associated with other anatomical variations or abnormalities in the abdomen or pelvis. In some cases, the muscle may be involved in the development of certain medical conditions or may compress nearby structures, leading to symptoms such as pain or discomfort. Overall, bilateral PMn is a relatively uncommon anatomical variation that may be of interest to anatomists or medical professionals. A thorough understanding of this muscle is essential, particularly when making a clinical diagnosis and carrying out procedures in the iliac area. In this case report, we tried to discuss the clinical, embryological, and evolutionary significance of PMn muscle.

Modified Ultrasound-Guided Dorsal Quadratus Lumborum Block in Cat Cadavers.

The quadratus lumborum (QL) block is an ultrasound-guided locoregional anesthesia technique which aims to provide analgesia to the abdomen. The main objective of this study was to assess a modified ultrasound-guided dorsal QL block in cat cadavers. For this purpose, a volume of 0.4 mL kg-1 of a mixture of iopromide and methylene blue was administered between the psoas minor muscle and the vertebral body (VB) of the first lumbar vertebra, and its distribution was assessed in thirteen cat cadavers. We hypothesized that this injection point would be feasible, offering a more cranial distribution of the injectate and a more consistent staining of the truncus sympathicus. The study was divided into two phases. Phase 1 consisted of an anatomical study (three cadavers were dissected). Phase 2 consisted of the ultrasound-guided administration of the injectate and the assessment of its distribution by computed tomography and anatomical dissection. The results showed a consistent distribution of contrast media within five (4-8) VBs from T10 to L5. Methylene blue stained three (2-6) rami ventrales, affecting T11 (10%), T12 (20%), T13 (60%), L1 (85%), L2 (95%) and L3 (65%). The truncus sympathicus was dyed in all cadavers with a spread of five (3-7) VBs. Finally, the splanchnicus major nerve was stained in all cadavers (100%). These results suggest that this technique could provide analgesia to the abdominal viscera and the abdominal wall, probably with the exception of the cranial aspects of the abdominal wall.

A CASE REPORT ON THE BILATERAL PSOAS MINOR MUSCLES WITH CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Psoas Minor is a thin paired muscle of the posterior abdominopelvic region, placed in front of the Psoas major.The psoas minor muscle is considered inconstant and is often absent, only being present in about 40% of human specimens studied.The psoas minor muscle originates from the vertical fascicles inserted on the last thoracic and first lumbar vertebrae. From there, it passes down onto the medial border of the psoas major and is inserted to the innominate line and the iliopectineal eminence. Additionally, it attaches to and stretches the deep surface of the iliac fascia and occasionally its lowermost fibers reach the inguinal ligament.

Incidental Finding of Unilateral Psoas Minor Muscle in a Cadaver

Incidental Finding of Unilateral Psoas Minor Muscle in a Cadaver

Characteristics of the psoas minor muscle in modeling lateral interbody spondylodesis of the lumbar spine

ВACKGROUND: For the treatment of degenerative diseases of the spine, various deformities, a minimally invasive technique of lateral lumbar interbody fusion is used, which minimizes the risks of spinal cord injury. In the development of these pathologies, the most important role is assigned to the paraspinal muscles, the histological features of which are insufficiently elucidated in the relevant literature when modeling spondylodesis.
 АIM: To investigate the effect of lateral interbody vertebral fusion (spondylodesis) when introducing titanium implants on the histostructure of the psoas minor muscle.
 МATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed in 14 mongrel dogs, 3 individuals the control group (norm). The аnimals underwent discectomy at the level of L45, L56 vertebrae through the lateral approach on the right, and interbody titanium implants were installed. The lumbar spine was stabilized with an external fixator for 30 days. Paraffin muscle sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, according to Masson.
 RESULTS: During the experiment, an increased variety of myosymplast diameters, loss of polygonality of their profiles, fibrosis of the interstitial space, and sclerotization of the vascular membranes were observed in the psoas minor muscle. The volume density of endomysium in both muscles increased 1.5 times relative to the norm after 6 months Other parameters decreased: the volume of myosymplasts was 95%, that of microvessels 73% on the left, 83% on the right. On the other hand, the degree of fatty infiltration increased, amounting to 276% on the left and 394% on the right of the normal parameters. After 18 months, the bulk density of muscle fibers on the left was restored to the value in the control, on the right it was only 95%. The degree of sclerotization in the muscle on the left is 133%, on the right 161% of the norm; the index of fatty infiltration was 146% on the left and 339% on the right of the normal parameter.
 CONCLUSION: pathohistological changes in the psoas minor during lateral interbody fusion are more pronounced on the side of the operative approach, which necessitates minimizing trauma to the paravertebral muscles during operations in order to prevent sclerotization and fatty involution of muscle tissue.

Psoas Minor: Major Confusion

Introduction & ObjectiveThe psoas minor muscle is found in the retroperitoneum with close association to the psoas major and iliacus muscles. Major anatomical textbooks fail to offer a clear consensus on psoas minor, providing conflicting information on the insertion site, function, and relationship to the iliopsoas complex. Reported prevalence of the psoas minor muscle ranges from 40‐65% in each individual hip, but available research is limited by sample size or is not representative of U.S. demographics. Accurate descriptions of the structure of the psoas minor muscle would allow for improved hypotheses regarding muscle function and repercussions of muscle dysfunction. This study aims to document the presence and insertion of the psoas minor muscle in a U.S. donor population, suggest an alternative source to lumbar back pain, and discuss ramifications of muscle dysfunction and applicable osteopathic intervention.Materials & MethodsAt this time, eleven donors were evaluated in the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Human Anatomy Lab. The presence or absence of the psoas minor muscle was determined bilaterally. Muscles were manually traced from origin to the tendon and then the point of insertion. If needed, the inguinal ligament and anterior pelvic structures were dissected for better visualization. Findings were recorded in a secure database and photographed.ResultsThe psoas minor muscle was present bilaterally in seven donors, present unilaterally in one donor, and bilaterally absent in three donors. On all donors evaluated, the insertion site was the pectin pubis with distal blending of the tendon with iliac fascia.Significance & ConclusionAnatomical texts have a variety of descriptions for the documented insertion, such as the pectin pubis, iliopubic eminence, arcuate line, pectineal line or iliopubic ramus. In this study, donors with a psoas minor muscle were determined to have a common insertion site: the pectin pubis. Muscle origin (lateral surface of T12‐L1 vertebral bodies and discs) and bilateral presence (n=7/11; 63%) in the study aligned with current literature.Findings of this study support hypotheses of alternative sources of dysfunction that may contribute to lumbar back pain and hip snapping syndrome rather than more commonly reported sources, such as lumbar back musculature or the iliacus and psoas major muscles. Proximal dysfunction of a psoas minor muscle may contribute to lumbar back pain by abnormally rotating the originating vertebrae in the direction of the hypertrophic muscle. Distal dysfunction may contribute to hip snapping syndrome, in which the iliopsoas tendon “snaps” over the iliopectineal eminence when returning the leg from a position of flexion, abduction, or external rotation. From an osteopathic manipulative approach, the psoas minor may be treated with counterstrain techniques or muscle energy to the lumbar spine to restore normal tone and function. We will continue to collect data in an ongoing study in order to provide an evidence‐based recommendation for the reporting of psoas minor insertion and function, as well as the presentation and potential treatment of psoas minor dysfunction.

TROCHANTERIC ATTACHMENT OF PSOAS MINOR MUSCLE IN 52 YEARS OLD FEMALE CADAVER IN ALKHARJ, SAUDI ARABIA

The anatomical variations of psoas minor muscle (PMM) vary greatly in terms of agenesis, attachments and morphology based on race and gender. In the current study, we report an extremely rare condition of distal attachment of psoas minor muscle during our routine dissection of a 52-year-old female body cadaver. We observed that the psoas minor muscle insertion was unique where it was inserted to the lesser trochanter of the femur. We believe that understanding these variations is essential to the effective execution and planning of radiological and surgical procedures and the correlation with many clinical conditions.

A Cadaveric Study on Incidence and Morphology of Psoas Minor Muscle in South Indian Population

Introduction: The muscles of posterior abdominal wall on each side of vertebral column include psoas group, quadratus lumborum and iliacus. The psoas muscle group comprises of major, minor and tertius. The psoas major is present in all individuals. Psoas minor is often absent in 40% of the cases. Psoas minor muscle has racial and morphometric variations. Aim: To find the incidence and morphology of psoas minor in south Indian population and discuss its clinical implications. Materials and Methods: The present observational cadaveric study was done on 30 embalmed cadavers for teaching purpose from November 2017 to December 2020 at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli, Karnataka, India. Cadavers in the study were of the age group between 50-60 years. Out of 30 cadavers, five were females and 25 were males. In cadavers with presence of psoas minor muscle following parameters were photographed and studied: unilateral or bilateral, origin, insertion, nerve supply, total length of musculotendinous unit, length of muscle belly, length of tendon, width and circumference at its widest point. Vernier calipers, measuring tape, scale and inelastic thread were used to note various parameters and were tabulated. Results: Out of 30 cadavers, psoas minor was present in 10 cadavers (two female and eight male), bilateral in five; unilateral in five. The incidence of presence of psoas minor muscle in the present study is 33.33% (two female 6.67% and eight male 26.67%). Conclusion: The psoas minor muscle being vestigial and inconstant, its morphology is highly variable. But the incidence of psoas minor is quiet significant (33.33%). Hence knowledge of psoas minor is important to anatomists for academic purpose and to clinicians for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Evaluation of High-Volume Injections Using a Modified Dorsal Quadratus Lumborum Block Approach in Canine Cadavers.

Simple SummaryThe quadratus lumborum (QL) block is an ultrasound-guided locoregional anesthesia technique. Its objective is to promote both visceral and somatic analgesia for abdominal procedures. Previous spread studies carried out in canine cadavers demonstrated its viability in this species but failed in consistently reach the spinal nerves responsible for the cranial abdominal wall innervation. Therefore, we hypothesize that a modified QL block technique, based on the administration of a higher volume of solution (0.6 mL kg−1) in a dorso-medial position compared to the interfascial injection point between the QL and psoas minor muscles, could enhance its cranial spread, and promote a consistent distribution spread through the ventral branches of the spinal nerves and sympathetic trunk. For this purpose, a solution of dye/contrast was ultrasound-guide injected into six canine cadavers. The results were assessed through computed tomography and dissection, showing that the proposed technique is viable, safe, and stained the median and caudal abdominal nerves and the sympathetic trunk up to T13 consistently. However, our modified technique of QL block did not increase the cranial distribution of dye/contrast to the thoracic spinal nerves, and may not provide adequate somatic analgesia of the cranial abdominal wall.The quadratus lumborum (QL) block targets the fascial plane surrounding the QL muscle providing abdominal somatic and visceral analgesia. The extension of its analgesic effects is a subject of research, as it could not cover areas of the cranial abdomen in dogs. This study assesses in eight thawed canine cadavers, the distribution of high-volume injections (0.6 mL kg−1 of a mixture of methylene blue and iopromide) injected between the psoas minor muscle and the vertebral body of L1. Anatomical features of the area of interest were studied in two cadavers. In another six dogs, QL blocks were performed bilaterally under ultrasound-guidance. The distribution of contrast was evaluated by computed tomography (CT). Hypaxial abdominal muscles were dissected to visualize the dye spread (spinal nerves and sympathetic trunk) in 5 cadavers. The remaining cadaver was refrozen and cross-sectioned. CT studies showed a maximum distribution of contrast from T10 to L7. The methylene blue stained T13 (10%), L1 (100%), L2 (100%), L3 (100%), L4 (60%) and the sympathetic trunk T10 (10%), T11 (20%), T12 (30%), T13 (70%), L1 (80%), L2 (80%), L3 (60%) and L4 (30%). These findings may suggest that despite the high volume of injectate administered, this modified QL block could not produce somatic analgesia of the cranial abdomen, although it could provide visceral analgesia in dogs.

A study of psoas minor muscle morphology

Psoas minor is long, slender skeletal muscle it lies anterior to psoas major. It is an inconstant muscle. It was absent in 40-70% of subjects. To determine the frequency and morphometry of psoas minor muscle.: 20 cadavers were dissected during routine dissection for undergraduate students at Ayaan institute of medical sciences, Moinabad, Hyderabad and Government medical college, Mahabubnagar. Bilateral variations were observed in one specimen, unilateral variations were observed in two specimens.: Out of forty specimens Psoas minor was present in three specimens. In one specimen bilateral variations observed, other two specimens unilateral. If it is present, clinical importance to radiologists, surgeons and physiotherapists as it can mimic certain abdominal emergencies.

Ultrasound Imaging to Estimate Carcass Quality of Pasundan Cattle based on Body Condition Score

This research aimed to estimate carcass quality of Pasundan cattle using ultrasound imaging based on Body Condition Score (BCS). Total 31 head of female cattle with age ranging from 4 to 7 years from Regional Technical Implementation Unit of the Center for Artificial Insemination and Artificial Insemination for Beef Cattle Development at Ciamis West Java, Indonesia with BCS ranging from 1.0-4.0. The marbling score, intramuscular fat (IMF), backfat thickness (LP), and thickness musculus of m. longissimus dorsi (LD), m. psoas major (PM), m. psoas minor (PMN), m. gluteus medius (GM) and m. biceps femoris (BF) were scanned using ultrasound on 3 different locations, i.e. on 12<sup>th</sup>-13<sup>th</sup> ribs (thorax), lumbar 4<sup>th </sup>- 5<sup>th </sup>(lumbar), and between tuber coxae and tuber ischii (gluteal) with 5 MHz frequency of convex transducer. The results showed that BCS increased when LP, marbling score and IMF from m. LD, m. PM, m. PMN, and m. GM was rising. Pasundan cattle showed marbling scores ranging from score 1 to 5 and percentage IMF ranging from 2.62% to 4.82%. Body Condition Score affected carcass quality of Pasundan cattle on parameters such as musculus thickness, marbling score, and intramuscular fat (IMF) from ultrasound imaging of m. LD, m. PM. m. PMN, m. GM, and m. BF.

Morphological Study of Psoas Minor Muscles with Embryological Basis and Clinical Insights

Introduction: The psoas group of muscles belongs to the posterior abdominal wall. The psoas minor is an inconstant, vestigial, fusiform, slender muscle. Researchers have frequently paid attention to the anatomy, morphology, frequency, of this muscle and its clinical, racial, ethnic correlation. Aim: To investigate and study the psoas minor muscle, with regard to its frequency, agenesis, origin, insertion, morphological variations, its embryological basis and clinical significance. Materials and Methods: The present observational study was conducted at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, between December 2018 to May 2019 in the Department of Anatomy. Nine cadavers were studied during routine dissection of the posterior abdominal wall (three females and six males). The prevalence, morphology, morphometry, laterality, sexual dimorphism for psoas minor muscle was assessed. The mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation of the morphometric parameters were also evaluated. Results: Psoas minor muscle was present in 55.55% (5/9) cadavers. The muscle was bilateral in 22.22% (2/9) cases and unilateral in 33.33% (3/9) cases. In all the cases, the muscle took origin from the T12-L1 vertebra and the intervertebral disc. However, the muscle showed a variation in its distal attachment in one of the cadavers. The muscle was unilateral in both the female cadavers and bilateral in two male cadavers. Conclusion: The prevalence was found to be 55.55%. Knowledge about the incidence of psoas minor muscle is of significant academic interest to anatomists as well as clinicians, for diagnostic purposes (particularly in abdominal pain) and during radiographic imaging.

A cadaveric study on the morphology of psoas minor and psoas accessorius muscles

In the human body, one of the most variable muscle groups is the psoas muscle group. The psoas muscle group is composed of long fusiform muscles – major, minor and accessorius, and out of these the psoas major muscle is present in all individuals. Reporting the gross anatomic detail of the psoas minor and psoas accessories muscles is the main aim of our study. 25 formalin preserved and embalmed cadavers were available for our study. We took the different in-situ measurements with the help of a digital vernier caliper. We found psoas minor muscle on the right side in 5 (20%) cadavers and on the left side in 4 (16%) cadavers. While in 3 cadavers (12%), psoas minor was present bilaterally. So out of 25 cadavers, psoas minor muscle was observed in 12 (48%). Psoas accessorius was present in just 1 cadaver (4%). This psoas minor and psoas accessorius muscle has both evolutionary as well as clinical significance and importance. The morphology of this muscle is very important for anatomists, surgeons, kinesiologists and physiotherapists from its clinical point of view.

Gross anatomical study of appendicular skeleton of pelvic region of common palm civet cat (Paradoxurus hermaphrodites)

The present study was conducted on one hip bone of Common palm civet cat (Paradoxurus hermaphrodites). The hip bone consisted of three bones viz., ilium, ischium and pubis. Those bones met to form an acetubulm. The ilium was composed of wing and body. The wing of the ilium was expended and it had pelvic surface, and gluteal surface. The body of the ilium took part in the formation of acetabulum. The iliac crest was strongly convex and thick whereas the gluteal surface was smooth and concave. The pelvic surface was consisted of sacral surface and auricular surface. The sacral surface was smooth and the auricular surface was rough. The iliopectinal line was extended from the auricular surface to the iliopubic eminences. Apart from those the ilium contained sacral tuber, cranial and caudal iliac spine, greater ischiatic spine and ventral gluteal line. The ischium was the caudal most bone among those bone and took part in the formation of ischial symphsis as well as acetabulum,.and obturator foramen. Apart from those ornament of ischium, it contained lesser ischiatic notch, ischiatic spine and tuber ischii. The lesser ischiatic notch was shallow compared to the greater ischiatic notch. The pubis was smallest bone among those three bones. Tubercle for psoas minor muscle (hypo axial muscle) was observed in the pectin of pubis.

Iliopsoas the Hidden Muscle: Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

The iliopsoas is a deep muscle group which anatomically connects the spine to the lower limbs. It is composed of the iliacus, psoas major, and psoas minor muscles. The iliopsoas functions as the primary hip flexor. Because the iliopsoas is important for daily activities, including sports, impairments and pathology associated with this muscle group can cause significant limitations. Evaluating pathology associated with the iliopsoas muscle group can be challenging because the patient's complaints are often vague and difficult to discern from other hip problems. This article will review relevant anatomy, discuss common pathologies, present clinical based examination methods, and outline conservative treatment interventions focusing on manual therapy and active exercises.

Potential Lack of Association Between Three Vestigial Muscles in Humans: A Willed Body Donor Study.

Purpose: Anatomical agenesis within a population is not well understood, with variations including but not limited to complete absence, unilateral presence, or bilateral presence. Agenesis of human vestigial muscles including the palmaris longus (PL), fibularis tertius (FT), and psoas minor (PM) has been studied; however, the relationship between their presence and absence has not been examined. The purpose of this study is to analyze the prevalence of the PL, FT, and PM muscles, investigate any relationship of prevalence based on sex or race, and investigate any correlation between the presence or absence of each muscle within individual donors.Methods: Twenty-three willed body donors were comprehensively dissected by medical students, and the presence or absence of the PL, FT, and PM muscles was recorded.Results: The PL was present bilaterally in 87% of donors and absent bilaterally in 13%. The FT was present bilaterally in 96% of donors, and present unilaterally in 4% of donors. There was no evidence of total agenesis of the FT within our sample. The PM was present bilaterally in 39% of donors, and absent bilaterally in 61% of donors. No statistically significant relationship was indicated between muscle presence and the sex or race of the donors. No correlation between the presence or absence of each of the muscles was found.Conclusion: In this sample of willed body donors, there was no relationship between muscular agenesis of the vestigial muscles. This suggests that muscle agenesis is a local genetic developmental event at each muscle, and that there is not a single developmental event that leads to agenesis of multiple vestigial muscles. Further understanding of the agenesis of vestigial structures within populations and subpopulations can aid in physician diagnosis and understanding of the anatomical makeup of individuals.

Characterization of surface orientation and tenderness of sous vide processed edible offal and psoas muscle from Dohne Merino sheep

The microstructural orientation and tenderness of edible offal and the psoas minor muscle from Dohne Merino sheep were compared in this study. Following evisceration and cleaning, fresh meat samples were collected from slaughtered lambs and ewes of different age groups and thermally processed to varying degrees of doneness using sous vide apparatus. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used for the characterization of the surface orientation and elemental composition. The results for tenderness showed that edible offal with anisotropic orientation had higher Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values, but those with some degrees of uniformity (isotropicity) in their surface orientation were comparatively tender. The rumen and trachea from the lambs, six-tooth and eight-tooth sheep at 10 - 12, 23 - 36 and 28 - 48 months old at slaughter had the highest WBSF values among all the meat samples. Our findings showed that edible offal from the lambs with isotropic orientation was more tender and richer in protein than those from ewes. Also, processing the psoas minor muscle and edible offal with sous vide at 100 oC in the shortest cooking time of 30 minutes had the greatest effect on tenderness of the meat samples. In descending order, the psoas minor muscle, liver and tongue from the lambs were found to be inherently more proteinaceous than other meat samples. The differences observed in the tenderness and protein contents of the edible offal and the psoas muscle could be attributed to variations in the microstructural organization of the muscle fibres in Dohne Merino and to their response to thermal processing. Keywords: anisotropy, doneness, isotropy, meat processing, Merino, scanning electron microscopy