Variations In Branching Pattern Research Articles

A comprehensive morphometric analysis of superior and inferior mesenteric arteries using cadaveric dissection and MDCT angiography

BackgroundSuperior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) are vital vascular structures supplying the majority of the intestinal tract. Despite their clinical significance, comprehensive morphometric studies combining traditional cadaveric dissection with modern imaging techniques are scarce in literature. This study aimed to provide a detailed morphometric analysis of the SMA and IMA using both cadaveric dissection and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography. MethodsThe study utilized a dual approach, combining cadaveric dissection (30 formalin-fixed cadavers) and MDCT angiography (images from 50 patients). Measurements including stem lengths, diameters at origin, and distances from the aortic bifurcation were taken, along with assessment of vertebral levels of origin and branching patterns. Data from both components were analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsKey findings for SMA include: Mean stem length: 3.19 ± 0.72 cm (cadaveric) vs. 2.53 ± 0.53 cm (MDCT); Mean diameter at origin: 0.93 ± 0.22 cm (cadaveric) vs. 0.57 ± 0.10 cm (MDCT); Most common vertebral level of origin: Upper border of L1 (78 % of cases); Branching pattern variations observed in 23.3 % of cadaveric specimens, which included the origin of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery from the first jejunal artery, a common trunk for right colic and ileocolic arteries, and absence of middle colic artery. For IMA: Mean stem length: 3.61 ± 1.29 cm (cadaveric) vs. 3.41 ± 0.69 cm (MDCT); Mean diameter at origin: 0.50 ± 0.11 cm (cadaveric) vs. 0.26 ± 0.05 cm (MDCT); Most common vertebral level of origin: Upper border of L3 (40 % of cases). No variations observed in branching pattern. ConclusionsThe detailed measurements, frequency of variations, and comparison between traditional and modern assessment techniques offer a nuanced understanding of mesenteric vascular anatomy. This study bridges the gap between classical anatomical knowledge and contemporary imaging capabilities, potentially improving surgical planning, interventional procedures, and radiological interpretation.

Reappraisal of anatomical diversity of lateral circumflex femoral artery with its substantial clinical applicability: cadaveric study.

Studies reveal variations in the in the origin, number, and branching patterns of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA). The present study aimed to document such variations and their potential clinical applicability. Thirty-two femoral triangles of 16 embalmed adult human cadavers were dissected to investigate the variation in the origin, number, and branching patterns of LCFA. The main branches of the LCFA were tracked independently for numerical variations in branching pattern. The distance between the origin of LCFA and mid inguinal point (MIP) was also measured in each case. LCFA was most commonly arising from profunda femoris (PF), followed by femoral artery (FA) and common trunk of the femoral artery (CFA). Duplication LCFA was observed in 15 (46.87%) limbs, in 5 (31.25%) cases duplication was only on right side, in 4 (25%) cases duplication was only on left side and in 3 (18.75%), duplication was bilateral. Cases with duplication of LCFA, showed numerical variations with descending pattern being the most common. The average distance of LCFA1 and LCFA2 from mid-inguinal point was 5.77±1.35 cm and 6.14±2.05 cm respectively. Detailed information regarding the occurrence of duplication will be great importance for surgeons, interventional radiologists, and other medical professionals performing procedures in the femoral region. Knowledge of variation of branching pattern of LCFA is utmost important as surgeons use the descending branch of the LCFA in bypass grafting and vascular reconstruction surgeries.

Variations in the Branching Pattern of Aortic Arch: An Embryological Correlation

Background: The literature documents variations in the branching pattern of aortic arches. If not identified at the right time, these variations may lead to complications during cardiovascular surgeries or invasive procedures like angiography. Surgeons working around these variations must be well-oriented. Methodology: the present study was conducted on 103 formalin-fixed cadavers, and their branching pattern was noted. Results: We observed five different branching patterns in the arch of the aorta. The classical three-vessel branching pattern was noted in 70.87% of cadavers. The next common pattern was two branches arising from the arch, with the brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery sharing a common origin. The left subclavian artery originated as a separate branch from the arch. Conclusion: Around 30% of Indian individuals may show variant branching patterns of the aortic arch. This should be considered during angiography, aortic instrumentation, supra-aortic thoracic, head and neck surgery, etc. This may prevent possible complications during surgeries. KEYWORDS: Embryology, Intervention, Intersegmental, Variant, Thyroglossal.

Distribution, course, and spatial relationships of the saphenous nerve: A 3D neuroanatomical map for nerve stimulation.

The overall objective of this study was to construct a 3D neuroanatomical map of the saphenous nerve based on cartesian coordinate data to define its course in 3D space relative to bony and soft tissue landmarks. Ten lower limb embalmed specimens were meticulously dissected, digitized, laser scanned, and modelled in 3D. The course of the main branches, number of collateral branches, and relationship of saphenous nerve to the great saphenous vein were defined and quantified using the high-fidelity 3D models. In 60% of specimens, the saphenous nerve was found to have three branches in the leg, infrapatellar, anterior, and posterior. In 40% of specimens, the posterior branch was absent. Three landmarks were found to consistently localize the anterior branch: the medial border of tibia at the level of the tibial tuberosity, the medial border of tibia at the level of the mid-point of leg, and the mid-point of the anterior border of the medial malleolus. The posterior branch, when present, had variable branching patterns but did not extend as far distally as the medial malleolus in any specimen. Anatomically, the anterior and posterior branches at the level of the tibial tuberosity could be most advantageous for nerve stimulation due to their close proximity to the bifurcation of the saphenous nerve where the branches are larger and more readily localizable than distally. Additionally, the tibial tuberosity is a prominent landmark that can be easily identified in most individuals and could be used to localize the anterior and posterior branch using ultrasound or other imaging modalities. These findings will enable implementation of highly realistic computational models that can be used to simulate saphenous nerve stimulation using percutaneous and implanted devices.

To be a transit link: Similarity in the structure of colonial system of integration and communication pores in autozooids and avicularia of Terminoflustra membranaceotruncata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata).

Bryozoan colonies consist of zooids, which can differ in structure and function. Most heteromorphic zooids are unable to feed and autozooids supply them with nutrients. The structure of the tissues providing nutrient transfer is poorly investigated. Here, I present a detailed description of the colonial system of integration (CSI) and communication pores in autozooids and avicularia of the cheilosome bryozoan Terminoflustra membranaceotruncata. The CSI is the nutrient transport and distribution system in the colony. In both autozooids and avicularia it consists of a single cell type, that is, elongated cells, and has a variable branching pattern, except for the presence of a peripheral cord. The general similarity in the CSI structure in avicularia and autozooids is probably due to the interzooidal type of the avicularium. Interzooidal avicularia are likely to consume only a part of the nutrients delivered to them by the CSI, and they transit the rest of the nutrients further. The variability and irregularity of branching pattern of the CSI may be explained by the presence of single communication pores and their varying number. The structure of communication pores is similar regardless of their location (in the transverse or lateral wall) and the type of zooid in contact. Rosette complexes include a cincture cell, a few special cells, and a few limiting cells. Along each zooidal wall, there are communication pores with both unidirectional and bidirectional polarity of special cells. However, the total number of nucleus-containing lobes of special cells is approximately the same on each side of any zooidal wall. Supposing the polarity of special cells reflects the direction of nutrient transport, the pattern of special cells polarity is probably related to the need for bidirectional transport through each zooidal wall. The possibility for such transport is important in large perennial colonies with wide zones of autozooids undergoing polypide degeneration.

Anatomical variations in morphology of right and left brachial plexus among black African population; a cadaveric study in western Kenya

Background: Brachial plexus (Bp) is a network of bundles of nerves of spinal cord around neck and axilla in the body formed by union of anterior primary rami of C5 to C8, and T1. Technical expertise required for clinical and surgical procedures remains challenging for the beginners. Variations may be due to trauma, irradiation, neoplasm, infection, and autoimmune inflammatory disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in variation of right and left Bp of the study population. Methods: Cross sectional descriptive study was used in Maseno, Uzima and Masinde Muliro Universities anatomy laboratory to get sample size of 35male and 35 female cadavers. Chi- square test was set at a p= 0.05. Ethical consideration was observed. Results: Statistically significant difference (p=0.009) between the right and the left upper limb in the branching of musculocutaneous nerve was recorded. A total of 17.8% variations in origin and segments of Bp, majority 9.9% were from left while 7.9% from right. Highest frequency of variation occurred at the prefixed root of Bp with 8.7% occurring on left upper limb and 12.13% on right upper limb. Right upper limbs had highest incidence of variations in branching patterns of Bp at 43% whilst left had incidence of 23.5%. Highest frequency of main terminal variation was of musculocutaneous nerve at 18.6% with 13.6% occurring on right side and 5% on left side. Conclusion: Knowledge of variations is essential in evaluation of unexplained sensory and motor loss after trauma and surgical interventions to the upper limb.

Cadaveric Study on the Anatomical Variations of the Sciatic Nerve

A cadaveric study on the anatomical variations of the sciatic nerve involves the examination and analysis of the sciatic nerve in human cadavers to understand the variations in its anatomical structure and distribution. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the human body, arising from the lumbosacral plexus in the lower back and extending down through the buttocks and the back of the thigh, eventually branching out into the tibial and common fibular nerves. Cadaveric studies are an essential part of medical research, especially in anatomy and surgical disciplines. These studies provide detailed insights into the human body's structures and variations that might not be adequately represented in textbooks or imaging studies. By examining cadavers, researchers can observe the sciatic nerve's different courses, branching patterns, and relationships to surrounding anatomical structures. The current work aims to study the anatomical variations in branching pattern and division of sciatic nerve, to know the variations of sciatic nerve by observing and dissecting the formalin fixed lower limbs and to document the different variations of the division of the sciatic nerve for any surgical and diagnostic inventions.

An analysis of the left top pulmonary vein and comparison with the right top pulmonary vein for lung resection by three-dimensional CT angiography and thin-section images

PurposeThe right top pulmonary vein (RTPV) is defined as an anomalous branch of the right superior PV (SPV) draining into the PV or left atrium (LA). Several previous reports have described the RTPV, but only a few have mentioned the left top PV (LTPV). The present study aimed to evaluate the branching patterns of the RTPV and LTPV using thin-section CT images and three-dimensional CT angiography (3D-CTA).Materials and methodsThis study included 1437 consecutive patients for evaluation of the right side and 1454 consecutive patients for the left side who were suspected of lung cancer and underwent CTA. We assessed the presence of each RTPV and LTPV and their branching patterns on the CTA images. When the RTPV or LTPV was identified, the maximum short-axis diameter was measured.ResultsRTPV was found in 9.1% (131/1437), whereas LTPV was found in 2.9% (42/1454) of the patients. RTPV was also observed in 17.1% (7/41) of LTPV cases, except for one case in which the right side could not be evaluated. The most common RTPV inflow site was the right inferior PV (IPV) in 64.9% (85/131) of the patients, whereas that of the LTPV was the left IPV in 100.0% (42/42) of the patients. The mean diameter of the RTPV and LTPV was 3.3 mm (range, 1.3–7.5 mm) and 2.4 mm (range, 0.9–6.3 mm), respectively (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe top PV branching pattern variations can be evaluated using thin-section CT and 3D-CTA images. RTPV is not a rare finding, and LTPV should also be identified in lung cancer cases scheduled for resection.

Anatomical Variations in Aortic Arch Branching Pattern: A Computed Tomography Angiography Study.

Variations in the branching pattern of the aortic arch (AA) are common. Modification of intravascular stents should be considered taking into account these AA branching variations. Identification of supra-aortic branching types and frequencies is important for specialists planning surgery in this region.In endovascular interventions to the AA, aortic stent grafts should be modified according to the variations of the branching patterns of the AA.In any surgical intervention to the region where the supra-aortic branches are located, ignorance of the variations may cause unwanted injuries or complications. In this study, 699 computed tomography angiography (CTA) images were reviewed to investigate AA branching variations using the Horos software (an open-source image viewer). Four groups were constructed based on the number of branches emerging from the aortic arch, which were further divided into subtypes. A total of 699 CTA images from 320 males and 379 females were included in this study. The usual AA branching pattern (type 3b1) was found in 68.5% of the patients. The combined prevalence of other eight branching patterns, designated as variations, was 31.5%. Variation types 1b1, 3b2, and 4b5 were identified in one patient each. Overall, types 2b1 and 2b2 had a prevalence of 28.3%. The type 2b3 variation was observed in 1.6% of the patients. The least common variations were type 4b1 (0.7%) and type 3b2 (0.1%). The identification of variations in AA branching patterns by CTA prior to surgical or endovascular interventions involving the aortic arch is important. Thus, specialists planning interventions in this region need to be aware and have knowledge of atypical aortic branching patterns. Higher prevalence rates of AA branching patterns compared to previous studies were identified in the Turkish population in this study and therefore, a comprehensive, multicenter study is needed to determine the cause of this differential finding.

Variations in branching pattern of middle cerebral artery using CT angiography in South Indian population

Middle cerebral artery (MCA) variants are rare compared to that of the other two cerebral arteries. Incidence of variations like duplication, fenestration, accessory vessel and early branching ranges from 0.17 to 4%. However, the literature describing MCA variations using CT Angiography (CTA) is limited, so this study was planned to determine the incidence of MCA branching pattern in Indian population using CTA. Datasets of CTA of 578 MCA from 289 patients (180 males and 109 females), with average age of 49.29±16.16 years (range of 11 to 85 years), from a tertiary care hospital were systematically reviewed for variations in branching pattern. Cases involving aneurysms and infarcts were excluded from the study. Four branching patterns of MCA were seen. Pattern I: single trunk in 0.17% (1/578) cases, on left side. Pattern II: early bifurcation in 0.52% (2/578) cases, two cases on right and one on left side. Pattern III: bifurcation, in 97.75%, (565/578) cases, 46.15% (6/13) cases on right and 53.84% (7/13) on left side. Pattern IV: trifurcation, in 1% (6/578), two cases on right and four on left side. Duplicated MCA seen in 0.34% (2/578) cases, both on the right side. The fenestration of MCA seen in 0.17% (1/578), on the left side. No case of accessory MCA was seen. Awareness of these anatomical variations in the branching pattern of MCA is valuable for clinicians and surgeons handling cases of intracranial aneurysms and infarcts. Thus, data from this study would help surgeons minimize errors and provide the best possible outcome to the patients

A rare bilateral variant of the coracobrachialis muscle with supernumerary heads and coexisted variant branching patterns of the brachial plexus and the axillary artery

PurposeThe study report describes a rare bilateral variant of a six- and five-headed coracobrachialis muscle (CB). The musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) (bilaterally) and the median nerve (MN) lateral root (unilaterally) pierced CB heads, separating superficial from deep heads.MethodsThe variant bilateral CB was identified in a 78-year-old formalin-embalmed male cadaver, derived from a body donation program after a signed informed consent.ResultsAt the right side: The 6-headed CB was pierced by the MCN, while the MN lateral root pierced the one superficial and deep head. CB was supplied by the lateral cord and the MCN. At the left side: A 5-headed CB was identified with three superficial distinct origins that fused into a common superficial head coursing anterior to MCN. The variant CB bilaterally (with 11 heads in total) coexisted with a MN variant formation, an atypical course of the MN lateral root through CB (right side), a connection of the MN lateral root with the MCN (left side) and a variant axillary artery branching pattern (bilaterally).ConclusionsCourse and direction of the accessory CB heads may occasionally entrap the MCN and/or adjacent structures (brachial artery and MN). The MCN compression results in problems in the glenohumeral joint flexion and adduction, and tingling or numbness of the elbow joint, the forearm lateral parts and the hand.

Variations of branching pattern of the dorsalis pedis artery: A cadaveric study

Background: Dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) is the chief artery of foot. It provides nutrition to the dorsum of the foot. Palpation of DPA is essential for the diagnosis of peripheral vascular diseases. Cutaneous flaps supplied by branches of DPA are used in various reconstruction surgeries. Methodology: 50 meticulously dissected lower limbs of both sides and known sex were observed for morphometry, asymmetry and sexual dimorphism of DPA and its branches. Variations like absent arcuate artery and extra lateral tarsal arteries were looked for. Results: Absent arcuate artery was seen in 12%. Three tarsal metatarsal arteries and two tarsal metatarsal arteries were seen in 4% and 16%, respectively. An extremely rare case of U-shaped loop joining two tarsal metatarsal arteries was seen in two limbs. Conclusion: Rare variations like multiple tarsal arteries joined by U-shaped loop and absent arcuate artery seen in our study are of importance for reconstruction surgeries using DPA flaps.

A cadaveric study on variation in branching pattern of common carotid artery

Carotid arterial system are vessels of head and neck region. Comprehensive understanding on its branching configuration is of considerable importance to avoid accidental injury during surgical interventions. Common carotid artery (CCA) usually bifurcates into external carotid artery (ECA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) at level of upper border of thyroid cartilage. Normally ECA lies anteromedial to ICA at its commencement and provides branches, but ICA does not provide any branches in neck. In this case, right CCA bifurcated above cricoid cartilage and divided into two branches of equal diameter in a middle-aged female cadaver. Medial one does not provide any branch and it appeared pale. It continued upward, entered carotid canal and it was confirmed as ICA. The ECA was found lateral to right ICA both in its origin and course. ECA provided lingual, facial and occipital branches. Superior thyroid artery was not identified, and it might be accidently damaged during dissection. It was noticed ECA was a content of carotid sheath. Vagus nerve first found between IJV and CCA and subsequently located between IJV and ECA. Third aortic arch contributed to development of CCA, leading part of ICA and entire part of ECA. Remaining part of ICA was developed from cranial portion of dorsal aorta. Therefore, any embryological deficiency in third aortic arch, dorsal aorta or changes inside of origin of ECA may lead to alteration in position of these vessels. Understanding vascular anatomy of neck is vital in precise interpretation of radiological images and neck surgeries.

A Rare Anatomic Variant of the Superficial Palmar Branch of the Radial Artery Used for Arteriovenous Fistula Creation

Anatomical knowledge regarding the variant branching patterns of the radial artery is considerably crucial for interventionalists, vascular, and plastic surgeons. We report a case of a rare variant branching pattern where the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery originated from the radial artery in the forearm instead of the wrist with a subcutaneous course in a 52-year-old patient with diabetic end-stage kidney disease who required haemodialysis initiation. This variant branch was used as inflow for the creation of the arteriovenous fistula for haemodialysis access.

ANATOMICAL STUDY OF CORONARY ARTERIES AND ITS BRACHING PATTERN IN COSTAL ANDHRA PRADESH POPULATION

Aim: The aim of this anatomical study of coronary arteries and its branching pattern in costal andhra pradesh population is to assess risk factors for occurrence of CADs. Methods: Conventional Dissection method. Results: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death and disability in developed countries, and incidence of CAD is increasing annually in the underdeveloped world. Today, percutaneous coronary intervention plays a major role both in diagnosis and treatment of CAD. This present study was done to assess the normal patterns of coronary arteries with reference to its origin, branching pattern, caliber, predominance, variations and anomalies. 100 adult male and female cadaveric and fresh hearts preserved with 10% formalin were obtained from the Department of Anatomy &amp; Department of forensic, Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The origins, various branching patterns and diameter of right and left coronary arteries were observed. Both RCA &amp; LCA was originating from the anterior aortic sinus in 100% and LCA from left posterior aortic sinus in 100. In the present study, termination of RCA occurs between acute margin and crux of heart in 8% of specimens, at PIVA posterior Interventricular artery or crux of heart in 12% of specimens, in between crux and obtuse margin of the heart in 76% of specimens, at the obtuse margin of the heart in 4% of specimens. The main trunk of LCA divides into two branches (bifurcation) in 76% of specimens, into three branches (trifurcation) in 20% of specimens, into four branches (quadrifurcation) in 2% of specimen, into five (pentafurcation) branches in 2% of specimen. The minimum diameter of RCA was 2.5 mm. The maximum diameter ofRCAwas 3.9mm. The minimum diameter of LCA was 2.6 mm the maximum LCA diameter was 6.2 mm. In 100 specimens the posterior interventricular artery arose from the right coronary artery indicating right dominance in 90 specimens and in 10 specimens from the left circumflex coronary artery indicating left dominance. Right dominance was present in 90%, left dominance in 10% and co-dominance was nil. Variations in branching pattern of coronary arteries as reported in present study necessitate its importance for proper diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease. Conclusion: Arterial pattern and its variations are important to prevent false interpretation of the arterial angiograms in management of coronary artery diseases.

The left-sided aortic arch variants: prevalence meta-analysis of imaging studies.

To estimate the prevalence of the left-sided aortic arch (LSAA) variants, and the effect of possible moderators on variants' detection. A systematic online literature search was conducted. The pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals was estimated for the typical and atypical branching patterns to compare the overall proportions of different variants. Meta-regression analyses were performed to investigate the effect of the subjects' gender and geographical region, and the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanner's technology on the estimated prevalence. In total, 18,075 cases from 23 imaging studies were included and 33 different LSAA variants were detected. The estimated heterogeneity was statistically significant. Based on the estimated prevalence, approximately 77% of the population is expected to have the typical branching anatomy with sequence brachiocephalic trunk-left common carotid artery-left subclavian artery, and 23% variant branching patterns. Approximately 71%, 23%, 2%, and 0.1% of the atypical populations are expected to have two, four, three, and five emerging branches, respectively. The meta-regression analyses showed that the number of detector rows of the MDCT scanner, and the subjects' geographical region are statistically significant moderators of the estimated prevalence. The current findings indicate that the prevalence of the LSAA variant branching anatomy is significantly affected by the subjects' geographical region and the MDCT scanner's technological improvement, with the advanced scanners to facilitate the detection of the aortic arch variants. However, due to the heterogeneity among studies, further research is required.

Anatomical branching patterns of the aortic arch in Ethiopia: An imaging-based study

Background: The aortic arch (AA) is a key anatomical vascular structure through which blood is distributed to the body’s organs. Knowledge of its branching patterns is important for surgical procedures. This study aimed to describe anatomical variations in the branching patterns of human AAs in patients who underwent chest contrastenhanced computed tomography. Methods: A retrospective study involving 630 chest contrastenhanced computed tomography scans from July 2018 to July 2019 was carried out at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia. These images were reviewed for AA branching patterns and classified accordingly. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: Of the 630 patients (364 males and 266 females), AA branching pattern variations were found in 35.2%: type II, 26%; type III, 6.5%; type V, 2.7%; the rest, 64.8%, had a normal (type I) AA branching pattern. The left vertebral artery and the aberrant right subclavian artery were also observed to originate directly from the AA. Conclusions: AA branching pattern variation types II, III, and V were found in our study. These findings could be vital during aortic instrumentation and surgical procedures of the head and neck in Ethiopia and globally.

Incidence of Displacement of Facial Nerve Trunk from Normal Anatomical Position in Cases of Benign Tumour in Superficial Lobe of Parotid Gland: A Surgical Finding and its Significance.

Purpose of current study was to find out the incidence of displacement of facial nerve trunk from its normal anatomical position in relation to size and site of tumour in superficial lobe of parotid gland and its surgical significance. In the literature, the importance was given to the anatomical variations in branching pattern of facial nerve but not deviation. The knowledge of this variation is very important to prevent its injuries during superficial parotidectomy. The present study included 60 patients who underwent superficial parotidectomy for benign tumour involving the superficial lobe of parotid gland. The site and size of tumour noted pre operatively with help of ultrasound and CT scan and pathological diagnosis was made by FNAC. The superficial parotidectomy was performed and facial nerve was identified in all cases. In our study, 23 patients out of 60 were having displacement of facial nerve trunk from its normal anatomical position found during superficial parotidectomy. 10 out of 13 patients with tumor superior to facial nerve trunk were having displacement, 7 out of 18 had deviation with tumor inferior to nerve, 6 out of 29 patients had deviation of main trunk when the tumor involved whole of superficial lobe of gland.We conclude that the facial nerve trunk cannot be always traced at normal anatomical position by following the documented anatomical landmarks because of its displacement by tumour. Knowledge of this variation of facial nerve trunk can avoid the chances of damage to this nerve during superficial parotidectomy.

A study of variations in branching pattern of axillary artery in cadavers

The knowledge of variable branching pattern of Axillary artery is needed for vascular surgeons, onco surgeons, anaesthesiologists, orthopedic surgeons and radiologists due to increased use of invasive diagnostic, interventional procedures. The aim was to study the variable branching pattern of Axillary artey in cadavers. 15 cadavers (30 upper limbs) - 12 male and 3 female embalmed with 10% formalin were dissected for this study. Variable branching pattern was observed in 6.6% of the cases on right side and 6.6% of the cases on left side in first part of axillary artery, 40% of the cases on right side and 53.3% of the cases on left side in second part and 53.3% of the cases on right side and 26.6% of the cases on left side in third part. The anatomical knowledge of the normal and variant anatomy of the Axillary artery is of importance for anatomists, surgeons, radiologists and clinicians during various interventional, diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical procedures on pectoral and axillary regions.

Musculocutaneous and median nerve branching: anatomical variations. Case Series from UR clinical anatomy and literature review.

The brachial plexus is highly variable, which is a well-known anatomical fact. Repeated observations on anatomical variations, however, constitute current trends in anatomical research. In an anatomical dissection course, three uncommon variations in the brachial plexus were identified in three young adults' cadavers. In one case, the musculocutaneous nerve gave a branch to the median nerve, while the median nerve gave or received musculocutaneous branches in the two remaining corpses. Anatomical variations of the brachial plexus do occur in our setting. The cases we presented are about anatomical variations of branching patterns of the median and musculocutaneous nerves. Knowledge of those variations is essential for surgery and regional anesthesia of the upper limbs.