The subdiaphragmatic part of the phrenic nerve - morphometry and connections to autonomic ganglia.

Few anatomical textbooks offer much information concerning the anatomy and distribution of the phrenic nerve inferior to the diaphragm. The aim of this study was to identify the subdiaphragmatic distribution of the phrenic nerve, the presence of phrenic ganglia, and possible connections to the celiac plexus. One hundred and thirty formalin-fixed adult cadavers were studied.

The tori of the mouth and ear: a review.

There is a great deal of literature regarding the tori of the mouth and ear. However, there is controversy regarding the etiology and prevalence of each. The torus palatinus is generally agreed to be the most common oral exostosis and is more frequently found in females.

Anatomy of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves with observations of their spinal nerve contributions.

Proper anesthesia and knowledge of the anatomical location of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves is important during hernia repair and other surgical procedures. Surgical complications have also implicated these nerves, emphasizing the importance of the development of a clear topographical map for use in their identification. The aim of this study was to explore anatomical variations in the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves and relate this information to clinical situations.

A rare case of a complete left inferior vena cava associated with the symptoms of Dunbar syndrome.

We report a case of an 82-year-old female with an anomalous left inferior vena cava. The left inferior vena cava ascends parallel and to the left of the descending abdominal aorta. At the level of the celiac trunk, the inferior vena cava courses anteriorly and to the right to reach the posterior surface of the liver.

Peripheral facial nerve communications and their clinical implications.

The facial nerve (CN VII) nerve follows a torturous and complex path from its emergence at the pontomedullary junction to its various destinations. It exhibits a highly variable and complicated branching pattern and forms communications with several other cranial nerves. The facial nerve forms most of these neural intercommunications with branches of all three divisions of the trigeminal nerve (CN V), including branches of the auriculotemporal, buccal, mental, lingual, infraorbital, zygomatic, and ophthalmic nerves.

A review of the gross anatomy, functions, pathology, and clinical uses of the buccal fat pad.

The buccal fat pad is a trigone-shaped adipose tissue located in the cheek that assumes numerous functional and aesthetic clinical uses. It has been studied extensively within the past four decades, and its use in repairing common and debilitating oral defects is the motive for continued research on this topic. It is vital to understand the etiology of any oral defect or of a lesion of the buccal fat pad, for a misdiagnosis can prevent effective treatment of the underlying problem.

The clinical anatomy of the sinutubular junction.

Specific sites of atherosclerotic processes due to hemodynamic changes and resultant stress, including how these normal anatomical structures become problematic in certain individuals, have yet to be acknowledged. One of these areas of the cardiovascular system occurs at the sinutubular junction (SJ), causing altercation in an otherwise normal flow status. The anatomy of the SJ was examined in 100 adult human hearts during the gross anatomy course at St George's University, during the years 2006-2007.

Clinical anatomy of the mastoid and occipital emissary veins in a large series.

Introduction: Detailed descriptions of the mastoid emissary veins (MEVs) and the foramina through which they travel are lacking in the literature. Therefore, the aim of our study was to explore and delineate the morphology, topography and morphometry of the MEV, mastoid foramen (MF) and occipital foramen (OF). One hundred cadaver heads and 100 dried human skulls were grossly examined

Results: The MF and OF varied from being absent to having as many as four small openings, each transmitting an emissary vein.

Histopathological basis for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. Laboratory investigation.

Object: To the best of the authors' knowledge, no report exists that has demonstrated the histopathological changes of neural elements within the brachial plexus as a result of cervical rib compression.

Methods: Four hundred seventy-five consecutive human cadavers were evaluated for the presence of cervical ribs. From this cohort, 2 male specimens (0.

Right ventricular false tendons, a cadaveric approach.

Left ventricular false tendons (LFTs) have been extensively described and recognized by gross anatomic studies. However, there is very little information available regarding right ventricular false tendons (RFTs). The aim of our study, therefore, was to explore and delineate the morphology, topography and morphometry of the RFTs, and provide a comprehensive picture of their anatomy across a broad range of specimens.

The clinical anatomy of the communications between the radial and ulnar nerves on the dorsal surface of the hand.

Sensations of the dorsal surface of the hand are supplied by the radial and ulnar nerves with the boundary between these two nerves classically being the midline of the fourth digit. Overlap and variations of this division exist and a communicating branch (RUCB) between the radial and ulnar nerves could potentially explain variations in the sensory examination of the dorsal hand. The aim of this study was to examine the origin and distribution of the RUCB thereby providing information that may potentially decrease iatrogenic injury to this connection.

An anatomic investigation of the serratus posterior superior and serratus posterior inferior muscles.

In classical anatomy textbooks the serratus posterior superior muscle was said to elevate the superior four ribs, thus increasing the AP diameter of the thorax and raising the sternum. However, electromyographic and other studies do not support its role in respiration. In order to help resolve this controversy and provide some insight into their possible functionality, the present study aimed at examining the morphology, topography and morphometry of serratus posterior superior and inferior muscles in both normal specimens and those derived from patients with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

Suprascapular nerve as a donor for extracranial facial nerve reanimation procedures: a cadaveric feasibility study.

Objectives: Facial nerve injury with resultant facial muscle paralysis is disfiguring and disabling. To the authors' knowledge, neurotization of the facial nerve using a branch of the brachial plexus has not been previously performed.

Methods: In an attempt to identify an additional nerve donor candidate for facial nerve neurotization, 5 fresh adult human cadavers (10 sides) underwent dissection of the suprascapular nerve distal to the suprascapular notch where it was transected.

The velum interpositum revisited and redefined.

Introduction: Descriptions of the velum interpositum (VI) are typically brief and lacking detail in most neuroanatomical and neurosurgical texts. As this structure may be involved clinically or encountered surgically, the present study seemed warranted.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-adult (10 male and 10 female) formalin fixed and fresh cadaveric brains underwent a detailed dissection of the VI via an interhemispheric transcollosal approach.

Use of the scapular spine in lumbar fusion procedures: cadaveric feasibility study. Laboratory investigation.

Object: Graft sources for lumbar fusion include synthetic materials, donor grafts, and autologous bone such as the iliac crest. Considering the data indicating that autologous bone grafts generate the best results for fusion, the next logical step is to seek alternative donor sites in an attempt to reduce the complications associated with these procedures. To the authors' knowledge, autologous scapula has not been explored as a potential source for posterior lumbar fusion graft material.

Use of the clavicle in anterior cervical discectomy/corpectomy fusion procedures: cadaveric feasibility study.

Introduction: Graft sources for cervical fusion procedures include synthetic materials, donor grafts, and autologous bones such as the iliac crest. Considering the data that autologous bone grafts seem to generate the best results for fusion, the next logical step is to seek alternative donor sites so as to attempt to reduce the morbidity associated with these procedures. To our knowledge, autologous clavicle has not been explored as a potential source for cervical fusion.

The clinical anatomy of the posterior gastric artery revisited.

A consensus concerning the incidence, course and distribution of the posterior gastric artery (PGA) has yet to be reached. Recent literature has explored and subsequently demonstrated the importance of the identification of this vessel in surgical procedures such as subtotal gastrectomy, splenectomy and pancreatic transplantation. The gross anatomy of the PGA was examined in 120 adult human cadavers.

Cisterna chyli: a detailed anatomic investigation.

With recent laparoscopic advancements in retroperitoneal and thoracic surgical procedures, familiarity with major lymphatic structures, such as including the cisterna chyli (CC) and thoracic duct (TD), has proven beneficial in avoiding misdiagnosis and iatrogenic intraoperative injury. In this light, the aim of our study was to explore and delineate the topography of the CC, classify the different patterns of lymphatic tributaries, and categorize its varying location with respect to the vertebral bodies. The anatomy of the CC was examined in 120 adult human cadavers.

T2 contributions to the brachial plexus.

Objective: Recent advancements in neurotization and nerve grafting procedures have led to an increasing need for knowledge of the detailed anatomy of communicating branches between peripheral nerves. Although the surgical anatomy of the axilla has been well described, little is known regarding the degree or frequency of potential contributions to or communications with the brachial plexus. The aim of our study, therefore, was to explore extrathoracic, as well as potential intrathoracic, contributions to the brachial plexus from T2.

Superior phrenic artery: an anatomic study.

The majority of anatomical textbooks offer very little information concerning the anatomy and distribution of the superior phrenic artery (SPA). However, in the last decade, a number of reports have appeared with reference to the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of the collateral arterial supply of hepatic carcinoma (HC). Considering the potential role of the SPA as a source of collateral blood supply to HC, the aim of this study was to identify the origin and distribution of the SPA.