Research

Jump to: Other

14 pages, 2880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Topographic and Morphometric Study of the Foramen Spinosum of the Skull and Its Clinical Correlation

by Gustavo Tenório Sugano, Carolina Chen Pauris, Yggor Biloria e Silva, Fabrício Egídio Pandini, Raíssa Balabem Said Palermo, Daniela Vieira Buchaim, Rogerio Leone Buchaim, Erivelto Luís Chacon, Cynthia Aparecida de Castro, Bruna Trazzi Pagani and Marcelo Rodrigues da Cunha

Medicina 2022, 58(12), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58121740 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3773

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The spinous foramen (FS) of the skull is an opening located in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull, and it includes the middle meningeal vessels and the meningeal branch of the mandibular [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: The spinous foramen (FS) of the skull is an opening located in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull, and it includes the middle meningeal vessels and the meningeal branch of the mandibular trigeminal nerve. The FS is commonly used as an anatomical landmark in neurosurgical procedures and neuroimaging of the middle cranial fossa because of its relationship with other cranial foramina and surrounding vascular and nervous structures. Thus, specific knowledge of its topography and possible anatomical variations is important regarding some surgical interventions and skull imaging. The aim of this study was to provide further details on the morphology of the FS of the skull by evaluating its topographic and morphometric relationships and correlating the findings with clinical practice. Materials and Methods: Thirty dried skulls of human skeletons from body donors from the collection of the Laboratory of Anatomical Microdissection at a medical school were used. The metric dimensions and variations of the FS and its relationship with adjacent bone structures were analyzed with an interface digital microscope. Results: The results showed the bilateral presence of the FS in all skulls; however, differences were observed in the shape, diameter, and topography in relation to the foramen ovale and the spine of the sphenoid. The FS was present in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone; however, in one skull, it was located in the lateral lamina of the pterygoid process. The FS was smaller than the foramen ovale. A round and oval FS shape was the most common (42.1% and 32.8% of the samples, respectively), followed by drop-shaped (12.5%) and irregular-shaped (12.5%) foramina. Conclusions: In conclusion, FS variations among individuals are common and must be considered by surgeons during skull base interventions in order to avoid accidents and postoperative complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topographic Anatomy of the Human Body)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fat Is Consistently Present within the Plantar Muscular Space of the Human Foot—An Anatomical Study

by Joanna Tomlinson, Stefan Klima, Amélie Poilliot, Johann Zwirner and Niels Hammer

Medicina 2022, 58(2), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58020154 - 20 Jan 2022

Viewed by 2197

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The foot comprises of active contractile and passive connective tissue components, which help maintain stability and facilitate movement during gait. The role of age- or pathology-related degeneration and the presence of fat within muscles in foot function and pain remains [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: The foot comprises of active contractile and passive connective tissue components, which help maintain stability and facilitate movement during gait. The role of age- or pathology-related degeneration and the presence of fat within muscles in foot function and pain remains unclear. The existence of fat has to date not been quantified or compared between individuals according to age, sex, side or subregion. Materials and Methods: 18 cadaveric feet (mean age 79 years) were sectioned sagittally and photographed bilaterally. Fat in the plantar muscular space of the foot (PMSF) was quantified through the previously validated manual fat quantification method, which involved observing photographs of each section and identifying regions using OsiriX. Fat volume and percentage was calculated using a modified Cavalieri’s method. Results: All feet had fat located within the PMSF, averaging 25.8% (range, 16.5–39.4%) of the total PMSF volume. The presence of fat was further confirmed with plastination and confocal microscopy. Conclusions: These findings suggest that fat within the PMSF is a consistent but highly variable finding in elderly cohorts. Fat within the foot muscles may need to be considered a norm when comparing healthy and non-healthy subjects, and for therapeutic interventions to the foot. Further work is required to understand in detail the morphological and mechanical presence of fat in the foot, and compare these findings with pathological cohorts, such as sarcopenia. Additionally, future work should investigate if fat may compensate for the degeneration of the intrinsic muscles of the foot, with implications for both the use of orthotics and pain management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topographic Anatomy of the Human Body)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 8570 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classification and Morphometric Features of Pterion in Thai Population with Potential Sex Prediction

by Nongnut Uabundit, Arada Chaiyamoon, Sitthichai Iamsaard, Laphatrada Yurasakpong, Chanin Nantasenamat, Athikhun Suwannakhan and Nichapa Phunchago

Medicina 2021, 57(11), 1282; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57111282 - 21 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2386

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The landmark for neurosurgical approaches to access brain lesion is the pterion. The aim of the present study is to classify and examine the prevalence of all types of pterion variations and perform morphometric measurements from previously defined anthropological landmarks. [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: The landmark for neurosurgical approaches to access brain lesion is the pterion. The aim of the present study is to classify and examine the prevalence of all types of pterion variations and perform morphometric measurements from previously defined anthropological landmarks. Materials and methods: One-hundred and twenty-four Thai dried skulls were investigated. Classification and morphometric measurement of the pterion was performed. Machine learning models were also used to interpret the morphometric findings with respect to sex and age estimation. Results: Spheno-parietal type was the most common type (62.1%), followed by epipteric (11.7%), fronto-temporal (5.2%) and stellate (1.2%). Complete synostosis of the pterion suture was present in 18.5% and was only present in males. While most morphometric measurements were similar between males and females, the distances from the pterion center to the mastoid process and to the external occipital protuberance were longer in males. Random forest algorithm could predict sex with 80.7% accuracy (root mean square error = 0.38) when the pterion morphometric data were provided. Correlational analysis indicated that the distances from the pterion center to the anterior aspect of the frontozygomatic suture and to the zygomatic angle were positively correlated with age, which may serve as basis for age estimation in the future. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to explore the use of machine learning in anatomical studies and morphometry-based sex and age estimation. Thorough understanding of the anatomy of the pterion is clinically useful when planning pterional craniotomy, particularly when the position of the pterion may change with age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topographic Anatomy of the Human Body)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 4865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological Study of Fossa Ovalis in Formalin-Fixed Human Hearts and Its Clinical Importance

by Monica Adriana Vaida, Caius Glad Streian, Cristina Gug, Nawwaf Sebastian Damen, Adelina Maria Jianu, Andreea Grigoriță and Laura Grigoriță

Medicina 2021, 57(11), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57111254 - 16 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4223

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate the gross anatomy aspects of the fossa ovalis (FO) and the presence of some anatomical variation resulting from the incomplete fusion of septum primum and septum secundum, such as an atrial septal pouch (SP) and [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate the gross anatomy aspects of the fossa ovalis (FO) and the presence of some anatomical variation resulting from the incomplete fusion of septum primum and septum secundum, such as an atrial septal pouch (SP) and left atrial septal ridge. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one adult human hearts removed from formalin-fixed specimens were examined to provide information about the morphology of the FO. The organs were free of any gross anatomically visible pathological conditions. Results: The most common variants were the FO located in the inferior part of the interatrial septum (64.51%), circular (61.3%), with a net-like structure (51.62%), prominent limbus (93.55%), and patent foramen ovale (PFO) (25.8%). The right SP was observed in 9.67% of specimens, the left SP was observed in 29.03% of cases, and in 51.61% of cases, a double SP was observed. One sample presented a right SP and a double left SP, and one case showed a triple left SP, which was not reported previously to our knowledge. Conclusions: Knowledge of the interatrial septal anatomy becomes important for interventional cardiologists and should be documented before transeptal puncture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topographic Anatomy of the Human Body)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Rare Case of Facial Artery Branching—A Review of the Literature and a Case Report with Clinical Implications

by Martin Siwetz, Nicol Turnowsky, Niels Hammer, Michael Pretterklieber, Andreas Wree and Veronica Antipova

Medicina 2021, 57(11), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57111172 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3701

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Vascular variations appear as morphologically distinct patterns of blood diverging from the most commonly observed vessel patterns. The facial artery is considered to be the main vessel for supplying blood to the anterior part of the face. An anatomical understanding [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Vascular variations appear as morphologically distinct patterns of blood diverging from the most commonly observed vessel patterns. The facial artery is considered to be the main vessel for supplying blood to the anterior part of the face. An anatomical understanding of the facial artery, its course, its topography, and its branches is important in medical and dental practice (especially in neck and face surgery), and is also essential for radiologists to be able to interpret vascular imaging in the face following angiography of the region. A profound knowledge of the arteries in the region will aid in minimizing the risks to the patient. Materials and Methods: In our publication a narrative literature review and a case report are presented. Results: A rare case of a facial artery pattern has been described anatomically for the first time with respect to its course and branching. This variation was found on the left side of a 60-year-old male corpse during anatomical dissection. The anterior branch of the facial artery arched in the direction of the labial angle, and there divided into the inferior and superior labial arteries. At the same time, the posterior branch coursed vertically and superficially to the masseter muscle. It here gave off the premasseteric branch, and continued towards the nose, where it ran below the levator labii superioris and the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscles and terminated at the dorsum nasi. Conclusions: Our review of the literature and the case report add to knowledge on the facial artery with respect to its topographical anatomy and its branching and termination patterns, as well as the areas of supply. An exact knowledge of individual facial artery anatomy may play an important role in the planning of flaps or tumor excisions due to the differing vascularization and can also help to prevent artery injuries during aesthetic procedures such as filler and botulinum toxin injections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topographic Anatomy of the Human Body)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 3468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Launay’s External Carotid Vein

by Mihaela Daniela Manta, Adelina Maria Jianu, Mugurel Constantin Rusu and Şerban Arghir Popescu

Medicina 2021, 57(9), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57090985 - 18 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4941

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Launay’s external carotid vein (ECV) is poorly represented in the anatomical literature, although it is an occasional satellite of the external carotid artery (ECA). We aimed to establish the incidence and morphology of the ECV. Materials and Methods: [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Launay’s external carotid vein (ECV) is poorly represented in the anatomical literature, although it is an occasional satellite of the external carotid artery (ECA). We aimed to establish the incidence and morphology of the ECV. Materials and Methods: One hundred computed tomography angiograms were investigated, and ECVs were documented anatomically, when found. Results: Launay’s vein was found in 3/200 sides (1.5%) in a male and two female cases. In two of these cases, the ECV was a replaced variant of the anterior division of the retromandibular vein (RMV), and the facial vein (FV) ended in the external jugular vein. In the third case with the ECV, the RMV was absent and the common FV that resulted from that ECV and the FV drained into the internal jugular vein. The ECV could also appear as an accessory RMV, not just as a replaced one. Additional variants were found, such as fenestration of the external jugular vein (EJV), the extracondylar vein draining the deep temporal veins and an arterial occipitoauricular trunk. Conclusions: Surgical dissections of the ECA in the retromandibular space should carefully observe an ECV to avoid unwanted haemorrhagic events. Approaches of the neck of the mandible should also carefully distinguish the consistent extracondylar veins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topographic Anatomy of the Human Body)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 4469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphometry of the Entire Internal Carotid Artery on CT Angiography

by Radu Andrei Baz, Cristian Scheau, Cosmin Niscoveanu and Petru Bordei

Medicina 2021, 57(8), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57080832 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 8532

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Knowledge of the internal carotid artery’s (ICA) morphometric features is influential in outlining surgical and minimally invasive procedures in the neurovascular field. Many studies have shown divisive numbers regarding the ICA’s caliber, with the measuring point of the artery [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Knowledge of the internal carotid artery’s (ICA) morphometric features is influential in outlining surgical and minimally invasive procedures in the neurovascular field. Many studies have shown divisive numbers regarding the ICA’s caliber, with the measuring point of the artery sometimes differing. This study presents ICA dimensions based on computed tomography angiography in each of its seven segments as per Bouthillier’s classification, correlating vascular dimensions with anthropometric parameters. Materials and Methods: A thorough CT angiography analysis was performed on 70 patients with internal carotid vessels unaffected by atherosclerotic disease. The extracranial part of the ICA was measured in four locations—carotid bulb, post-bulbar dilation, at its cervical midpoint, and below its entrance into the carotid foramen. Single landmarks were used for measurements in the intracranial segments. ICA length was assessed in the neck region and also in the cranial cavity. Craniometric measurements were performed on sagittal and coronal CT reconstructions. Patient height was taken into consideration. Results: The largest ICA portion is near its origin in the carotid sinus area (7.59 ± 1.00 mm), with a steep decline in caliber following its extracranial course. Distal ICA presented values somewhat similar to its proximal intracranial segment diameters (4.67 ± 0.47 mm). Dimensions of the ICA in the intracranial segments start from a value of 4.53 ± 0.47 mm and decrease by approximately 40% when reaching the origin of the middle cerebral artery (2.71 ± 0.37 mm), showing a marked decrease in caliber after the emergence of the most critical collateral artery, the ophthalmic branch. The length of the ICA varies between genders, with the male ICA being about 10 mm longer in total length than female ICA; this difference is also correlated with patient height and skull dimensions. Conclusions: Both intra- and extracranial ICA have variable dimensions and length related to gender and anthropometric parameters, with no significant differences obtained concerning side or age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topographic Anatomy of the Human Body)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

6 pages, 2200 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Variant Arterial Supply of the Descending Colon by the Coeliac Trunk: A Case Report

by Sandra Petzold, Silke Diana Storsberg, Karin Fischer and Sven Schumann

Medicina 2021, 57(5), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57050487 - 12 May 2021

Viewed by 9180

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Knowledge of arterial variations of the intestines is of great importance in visceral surgery and interventional radiology. Materials and Methods: An unusual variation in the blood supply of the descending colon was observed in a Caucasian female body [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Knowledge of arterial variations of the intestines is of great importance in visceral surgery and interventional radiology. Materials and Methods: An unusual variation in the blood supply of the descending colon was observed in a Caucasian female body donor. Results: In this case, the left colic artery that regularly derives from the inferior mesenteric artery supplying the descending colon was instead a branch of the common hepatic artery. Conclusions: Here, we describe the very rare case of an aberrant left colic artery arising from the common hepatic artery in a dissection study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topographic Anatomy of the Human Body)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Topographic Anatomy of the Human Body

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI