Anatomy Education in Clinical Practice: Past, Present and Future

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2024) | Viewed by 10863

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Interests: gross and clinical anatomy; cerebral vascularization; head and neck anatomy and embryology, educational related research, anatomical terminology; social aspects and the history of anatomy; evidence-based medicine

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Guest Editor
Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine and Nursing, The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
Interests: cerebral-cortex spiny neurons; cerebral claustrum; intra-telencephalic axon connectivity; brain development; human anatomy; human-anatomy history; human-anatomy terminology; human-anatomy university education

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human anatomy has been an essential component of medical education for centuries because it provides a fundamental understanding of the structure and organization of the human body. Knowledge that is relevant to everyday clinical tasks, such as examining and assessing body parts, interpreting imaging techniques or therapeutic procedures, is of interest to most, if not all, health disciplines, and not just surgery.

Historically, anatomical education has been and continues to be a discipline that adapts to the needs of medical practice. Historically, dissection was the main source of anatomical knowledge and method of acquiring instrumental skills, particularly surgical. In the 19th century, it conditioned the anatomo-clinical mentality.

Currently, anatomy is a descriptive medical science that is no longer considered a dissection-based, research-led discipline. Dissection is a provider of essential attitudes towards clinical practice, including professionalism. The process of dissection is augmented by digital resources, such as 3D models, virtual reality simulations, augmented reality, and online resources. Surgeons and physicians acknowledge its significance in the context of both learning and professional activity.

In the foreseeable future, anatomical education is likely to be determined by technological advances, but also by new perspectives, such as those that bioethics can provide. The evolution of anatomy education in clinical practice is in line with the current need and medical mentality, establishing a solid foundation for future doctors that will allow them to provide a better quality of care to the patient.

In this Special Issue, we are interested in exploring an overview of anatomical education in clinical practice, considering its past, present, and future trends. We encourage researchers to contribute research and review articles in this area.

Possible topics include but are not limited to:

  • Anatomical education in clinical practice from a historical perspective;
  • The present state of anatomy education in relation to clinical practice;
  • Anatomy training and professionalism;
  • The student–donated body relationship as a modulator of the doctor–patient relationship;
  • Bioethical issues surrounding body donation for anatomical dissection in relation to medical practice.

Prof. Dr. Luis A. Arráez-Aybar
Prof. Dr. José Luis Bueno-López
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • anatomical education
  • bioethics
  • clinical practice
  • clinical skills
  • doctor-patient relationship
  • history of medicine
  • human dissection
  • medical education
  • professionalism
  • evidence-based medicine

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3104 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Craniometric Variation on the Position of Mandibular Foramen: A Cadaveric Cross-Sectional Study
by Hadi Darawsheh, Ali Alsaegh, Vladimir Nikolenko, Saida Bakieva, Irina Smilyk, Andrew Panin, Artur Kheygetyan, Vasiliy Troitskiy, Dmitry Leonov and Yuriy Vasil’ev
Medicina 2024, 60(12), 1925; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60121925 - 23 Nov 2024
Viewed by 997
Abstract
Background and Objectives: the mandibular foramen is an essential anatomic landmark in performing various dental and surgical procedures, including inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). However, its position may vary based on the individual morpho-functional features of the skull and face. This study [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: the mandibular foramen is an essential anatomic landmark in performing various dental and surgical procedures, including inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). However, its position may vary based on the individual morpho-functional features of the skull and face. This study aims to conduct a personalized assessment of the location of the mandibular foramen in various shapes of skulls, faces, and mandibles. Materials and Methods: this anatomic morphometric cross-sectional study was performed using one hundred and six (n = 106) certified human cadaver heads of both sexes. The cranial index (CI) and Izard’s facial index (FI) were calculated, the linear anatomic parameters of the skull and mandible were measured, the location of the mandibular foramen was identified, and the shapes of the skulls and mandibles were determined. Quantitative statistical data were obtained based on the location of the mandibular foramen, considering different shapes of skulls and faces. Results: there is a significant correlation between the location of the mandibular foramen, the high lengthy index (HLI) of the mandible, and the longitudinal latitude index (LLI) of the mandibular process. Conclusions: personalized assessment of the mandibular foramen based on a comprehensive analysis of craniometric characteristics can contribute to preventing unwanted dental and surgical complications, such as inferior alveolar nerve damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anatomy Education in Clinical Practice: Past, Present and Future)
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8 pages, 2404 KiB  
Article
Clinical Anatomy of the Ligaments of the Face and Their Fundamental Distinguishing Features
by Artem Mirontsev, Olesya Andruschenko, Yuriy Vasil’ev, Elena Verbo, Liyana Kolesova, Ekaterina Blinova, Kirill Zhandarov, Mikhail Nelipa, Petr Panushkin, Ellina Velichko, Yulianna Enina, Zurab Bagatelia and Sergey Dydykin
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050681 - 23 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3723
Abstract
Our study aimed to clarify the anatomical features of the zygomatic, upper masseteric, lower masseteric and mandibular ligaments and their possible contribution to age-related gravitational ptosis. The study was carried out by the method of layered dissection of fresh cadavers. In several observations, [...] Read more.
Our study aimed to clarify the anatomical features of the zygomatic, upper masseteric, lower masseteric and mandibular ligaments and their possible contribution to age-related gravitational ptosis. The study was carried out by the method of layered dissection of fresh cadavers. In several observations, the zygomatic ligament is represented by the fibers originating from the zygomaticus major muscle fibers. It is a true ligament with the fibers inserted directly into the skin. The upper and lower masseteric ligaments originate from the parotideomasseteric fascia and weave into the thickness of the SMAS. The mandibular ligament consists of two connective tissue laminae originating from the parotideomasseteric fascia at the lower edge of the mandible and from the inner surface of this fascia, along the anterior edge of the masseter muscle, skirting the facial vein sheath and the facial artery, traveling toward the platysma and the depressor anguli oris muscle, and merging with their fibers. The zygomatic ligament should be considered an osteo-musculocutaneous ligament, emphasizing the role of the associated zygomaticus major muscle in the mechanism of aging. The upper and lower masseteric and mandibular ligaments are false fascio-SMAS ligaments rather than osteo-cutaneous ones, playing the barrier role and fixing the superficial fascia and the platysma muscle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anatomy Education in Clinical Practice: Past, Present and Future)
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17 pages, 17188 KiB  
Article
Morphological Evaluation and Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Reparative Potential of the Buccal Fat Pad
by Roman Zhidkov, Andrew Panin, Aleksei Drobyshev, Tatiana Demura, Sofya Avraamova, Petr Aleksandrov, Anastasia Kolesnikova, Hadi Darawsheh, Anna Turkina, Nicolai Redko, Yaroslav Skakunov, Elena Karpova, Anzhela Brago, Aleksandr Tsitsiashvili and Yuriy Vasil’ev
Medicina 2024, 60(4), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040567 - 30 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2210
Abstract
Background and Objectives: There are many surgical techniques for oroantral communication treatment, one of which is the buccal fat pad. Of particular interest is the high reparative potential of the buccal fat pad, which may be contributed to by the presence of [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: There are many surgical techniques for oroantral communication treatment, one of which is the buccal fat pad. Of particular interest is the high reparative potential of the buccal fat pad, which may be contributed to by the presence of mesenchymal stem cells. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the reparative potential of BFP cells using morphological and immunohistochemical examination. Materials and Methods: 30 BFP samples were provided by the Clinic of Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery of the Russian University of Medicine (Moscow, Russia) from 28 patients. Morphological examination of 30 BFP samples was performed at the Institute of Clinical Morphology and Digital Pathology of Sechenov University. Hematoxylin–eosin, Masson trichrome staining and immunohistochemical examination were performed to detect MSCs using primary antibodies CD133, CD44 and CD10. Results: During staining with hematoxylin–eosin and Masson’s trichrome, we detected adipocytes of white adipose tissue united into lobules separated by connective tissue layers, a large number of vessels of different calibers, as well as the general capsule of BFP. The thin connective tissue layers contained neurovascular bundles. Statistical processing of the results of the IHC examination of the samples using the Mann–Whitney criterion revealed that the total number of samples in which the expression of CD44, CD10 and CD133 antigens was confirmed was statistically significantly higher than the number of samples where the expression was not detected (p < 0.05). Conclusions: During the morphological study of the BFP samples, we revealed statistically significant signs of MSCs presence (p < 0.05), including in the brown fat tissue, which proves the high reparative potential of this type of tissue and can make the BFP a choice option among other autogenous donor materials when eliminating OAC and other surgical interventions in the maxillofacial region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anatomy Education in Clinical Practice: Past, Present and Future)
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Review

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24 pages, 870 KiB  
Review
Advancements in Brain Aneurysm Management: Integrating Neuroanatomy, Physiopathology, and Neurosurgical Techniques
by Ligia Gabriela Tataranu, Octavian Munteanu, Amira Kamel, Karina Lidia Gheorghita and Radu Eugen Rizea
Medicina 2024, 60(11), 1820; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111820 - 6 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1733
Abstract
Brain aneurysms, characterized by abnormal bulging in blood vessels, pose significant risks if ruptured, necessitating precise neuroanatomical knowledge and advanced neurosurgical techniques for effective management. This article delves into the intricate neuroanatomy relevant to brain aneurysms, including the vascular structures and critical regions [...] Read more.
Brain aneurysms, characterized by abnormal bulging in blood vessels, pose significant risks if ruptured, necessitating precise neuroanatomical knowledge and advanced neurosurgical techniques for effective management. This article delves into the intricate neuroanatomy relevant to brain aneurysms, including the vascular structures and critical regions involved. It provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of aneurysm formation and progression. The discussion extends to modern neurosurgical approaches for treating brain aneurysms, such as microsurgical clipping, endovascular coiling, and flow diversion techniques. Emphasis is placed on preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation, and postoperative care, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. By integrating neuroanatomical insights with cutting-edge surgical practices, this article aims to enhance the understanding and treatment outcomes of brain aneurysms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anatomy Education in Clinical Practice: Past, Present and Future)
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Other

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13 pages, 624 KiB  
Systematic Review
Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformations: Updates on Technical Aspects and Functional Outcomes Post-Endovascular Treatment—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Talía Fuentes-Redondo, Pedro Navia-Álvarez and Luis-Alfonso Arráez-Aybar
Medicina 2024, 60(12), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60121948 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1013
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAMs) represent the most common vascular malformations of the brain at the pediatric age. Comprehension of its angioarchitecture and clinical features may influence their treatment options and functional outcomes. The aim of this review [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAMs) represent the most common vascular malformations of the brain at the pediatric age. Comprehension of its angioarchitecture and clinical features may influence their treatment options and functional outcomes. The aim of this review is to give an update of the anatomical and technical aspects of the management of VGAMs after endovascular treatment. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review of original articles published between 1 January 2014 and 1 February 2024 in Pubmed, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus databases following PRISMA guidelines. Variables such as age, sex, angioarchitecture of the malformation, clinical presentation, embolization technique, rate of occlusion, post-procedural complications, follow-up time, and mortality were collected. Random-effect meta-analysis of proportions was performed. Results: Fifteen studies on a total of 400 patients with VGAMs were collected. A total of 65.1% was male. The age at diagnosis was 12% prenatal, 35.5% neonates, 34.1% infants, 15.1% children, and 3.3% adults. Clinical presentation included 31.4% increased head size, 25.7% congestive heart failure, 12.9% neurological deficits, 10% seizures, 9.3% prominence of facial veins, and 8.9% developmental delay. A total of 339 patients underwent endovascular treatment (84.8%) with an average of 2.1 procedures per patient. The embolization technique was defined by transarterial access and glue material. Radiological occlusion was complete in 62.3% of the patients. The most frequent periprocedural incidents included hemorrhagic events (28.4%), embolization material migration (25.7%), and death (22%). The functional outcome was good in 68% of the surviving patients. The average follow-up time was 43.18 months. High heterogeneity was found in all outcomes but mortality rate. Conclusions: The angioarchitecture of VGAMs is significantly important when planning endovascular treatment and may have an influence on functional outcomes. More research into endovascular techniques and the risks of periprocedural complications must be performed. Indeed, a homogeneous protocol for the assessment of surviving VGAM patients during follow-up is necessary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anatomy Education in Clinical Practice: Past, Present and Future)
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