Epifascial accessory palmaris longus muscle.

In hand reconstructive surgery the palmaris longus muscle is one of the most utilized donor site for tendon reconstruction procedures. However, its anatomic position is variable and anatomic variations may be responsible for median nerve compression. We report the case of a 40-year-old, right-handed woman, who presented with numbness and paresthesias in the palm and in the flexor aspect of the first, second, and third fingers of her right hand for the preceding 5 months, coinciding with increase of office work (typing).

Medial and lateral pectoral nerves: course and branches.

During modified radical mastectomy or cosmetic surgery, denervation of the lower part of the pectoralis major frequently occurs and may reduce muscle spasm, with consequent better reconstruction of the breast. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the pectoral nerves and the pectoral muscles. Eight unembalmed female cadavers were dissected and vascular and radiologic studies performed.

Detection of apoptosis in human brainstem by TUNEL assay.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the distribution of apoptotic neurons in the nuclei of the brainstem. Apoptosis was studied by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay, in human brainstems taken at autopsy from 15 adults (age range: 25-58 years). The nuclei examined included the hypoglossal nucleus (XII), dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV), solitary tract nucleus (STN), vestibular nucleus (Ve), cuneate nucleus (Cu), nucleus of the spinal trigeminal tract (NSTT), principal inferior olivary nucleus (PION), medial inferior olivary nucleus (MION) and dorsal inferior olivary nucleus (DION).

Histotopographic study of the rectovaginal septum.

The rectovaginal septum (RVS) is described as a strong connective tissue between the rectum and the vagina. The aim of the present study was to investigate the topography and histological structure of the RVS in 20 cadavers (age range: 54-72 years). After in situ formalin fixation, the pelvic viscera and the surrounding connective tissue were removed, together with the pelvic floor.

Immunohistochemical mapping of adrenomedullin in the human medulla oblongata.

We studied by immunocytochemistry the expression of adrenomedullin (AM) in the human medulla oblongata, sampled from 13 adult subjects (mean age: 38 years), whose medical history was negative for neurological and neurovascular pathologies. Immunoreactive neurons were found in the medulla oblongata with statistically significant differences among the various nuclei (one-way ANOVA, P < 0.001).

Correlation between the course of the medial plantar artery and the morphology of the abductor hallucis muscle.

The abductor hallucis muscle flap is commonly used as a proximally-based flap in the management of ankle, heel, and midfoot lesions, where it is ideally suited for closing defects. This study investigates the anatomical details of this muscle in 13 fresh male cadavers. The medial plantar artery (MPA) was studied by dissection and macroscopic analyses to document the relationship of its superficial and deep branches with respect to the abductor hallucis muscle (AHM).

[Bilateral synovial chondromatosis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: a case report. ].

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare pathology of unknown aetiology. It originates from the chondroid metaplasia of the connective tissue of the synovial membrane. Consequently, cartilaginous nodules develop in the affected joints, first calcifying and then ossifying.