Histologic confirmation of neuronal cell bodies along the spinal accessory nerve.

Introduction: Most sources conclude that the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) is a purely motor nerve. There are some reports that suggest a sensory component, although the exact nature of such sensory fibers has yet to be elucidated. With such discrepancies in the literature and with well-established pain syndromes of unknown etiology following SAN injury, the authors performed the present study to better clarify this anatomy.

Amyand's hernia: a review.

Abstract Amyand's hernia is defined as when the appendix is trapped within an inguinal hernia. While the incidence of this type of hernia is rare, the appendix may become incarcerated within Amyand's hernia and lead to further complications such as strangulation and perforation. Incarceration of the appendix most commonly occurs within inguinal and femoral hernias, but may arise to a lesser extent in incisional and umbilical hernias.

The development of a core syllabus for the teaching of head and neck anatomy to medical students.

The study of human anatomy has traditionally served as a fundamental component in the basic science education of medical students, yet there exists a remarkable lack of firm guidance on essential features that must be included in a gross anatomy course, which would constitute a "Core Syllabus" of absolutely mandatory structures and related clinical pathologies. While universal agreement on the details of a core syllabus is elusive, there is a general consensus that a core syllabus aims to identify the minimum level of knowledge expected of recently qualified medical graduates in order to carry out clinical procedures safely and effectively, while avoiding overloading students with unnecessary facts that have less immediate application to their future careers as clinicians. This paper aims to identify consensus standards of essential features of Head and Neck anatomy via a Delphi Panel consisting of anatomists and clinicians who evaluated syllabus content structures (greater than 1,000) as "essential", "important", "acceptable", or "not required.

Tectal plate gliomas: a review.

Introduction: Tectal plate gliomas are generally benign neoplastic lesions arising in the brainstem which can, with local extension, obstruct the aqueduct of Sylvius and lead to hydrocephalus.

Anatomy: Diagnosis is based on initial suspicion fostered by the presentation of an obstructive hydrocephalus followed by physical exam which may potentially reveal indications of pyramidal tract dysfunction or cranial nerve palsies.

Discussion: MRI studies reveal a characteristic well-circumscribed, isodense or hypodense mass on T1-weighted images, with hyperdensity on T2 imaging.

Scalp dermoids: a review of their anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment.

Background: Scalp dermoid cysts are subcutaneous sacs lined with a stratified squamous epithelium containing developmentally mature ectodermal tissues, including skin, hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands.

Methods: Because they consist of developmentally mature tissues, scalp dermoid cysts are generally benign. Typically, cysts are limited to an extracranial location, and management generally involves simple surgical resection.