Folia morphologica最新文献

Background: A wide range of medical procedures in the zygomatic region in maxillofacial surgery, implantology, and aesthetic medicine requires a detailed study of the zygomaticofacial foramen (ZFF) due to the high risk of damage to its contents during manipulation.This study aimed to estimate the shape, diameter, and location of ZFF and their relationships with anatomical landmarks.

Materials and methods: A studywas conductedon 53 dry adult human skulls. Standard morphometric measurementswere takenusing sliding calipers.The number, diameter, shape, and location of ZFF were notedon both sides, andthe distances between the ZFF and surrounding anatomical landmarks were measured.Conventional statistical methods were usedto evaluate the data.

Results: Out of 106 sides, no ZFFwas noticedin 2.8%, one foramen was found in 40.6%, two foramina were found in 39.6%, threein 10.4%, four in 4.7%, andfive in 1.9%. The vertical diameter was 0.98 ± 0.35 mm, while the transverse diameter was 0.87 ± 0.31 mm. The shape of the ZFF was oval in 67%, round in 26.2%, semilunar in 4.9%, and irregular in 1.9%. The distance from the ZFF to the infraorbital margin was 6.63 ± 2.09 mm, tothe frontozygomatic suture was 26.24 ± 3.49 mm, tothe zygomaticomaxillarysuture,was 19.75 ± 3.55 mm, tothe zygomaticotemporal suture was 22.31 ± 3.98 mm and, to the most prominent point of the zygomatic bone was 8.03 ± 2.64 mm.

Conclusions: The variations in the number and location of ZFF mustbe consideredwhile performing regional blockanesthesia,and surgical or aesthetic procedures in the zygomatic region.

The lymphatic system is composed of lymphoid organs/tissues and a complex network of lymphatic vessels that transport interstitial fluid, antigens, lipids, immune cells, and other materials in the body. There is growing evidence that lymphatic vasculature is associated with many pathological conditions such as lymphedema and cancer progression and metastasis. Thus, improved understanding of the anatomical features, the molecular profile and the function of the lymphatic vasculature may provide innovative approaches for disease prevention and treatment. This article aims to present a comprehensive review of the gastric lymphatic anatomy and its importance in the pathology, treatment and prognosis of gastric carcinomas.

Background: Mast cells are mononuclear cells originating from bone marrow. They produce various biologically active substances, which allow them to actively participate in immune and inflammatory processes associated with intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging. This research focused on distribution and density of mast cells in healthy skin in different stages of skin aging.

Material and methods: This project included samples of photoexposed and photoprotected skin, obtained from 90 cadavers aged 0-82 years. The samples were classified into five age groups: newborns, young age, middle age, senior age and the oldest age. In order to visualize the mast cells, we have employed several histochemical staining protocols.

Results: The number of mast cells of the photoexposed skin significantly correlated to the individual's age. The number of mast cells of the photoprotected skin was in general statistically significantly lower in younger compared to older groups; however, the correlation of the mast cell density in photoprotected skin and the age did not reach statistical significance. In middle age, senior age and the oldest age groups, a significantly higher number of mast cells was recorded in the skin of the photoexposed compared to photoprotected region.

Conclusions: The increase in mast cell density correlated with age only in photoexposed skin. Age-related higher accumulation of dermal mast cells in photoexposed skin can be an important factor in the photoaging process, as well as the contributing factor in the occurrence of skin cancer.

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the presence, frequency, and characteristics of the accessory maxillary ostium (AMO) in a specific Turkish population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to evaluate the frequency of pathologies and anatomical variations in the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus and to assess their relationship with the AMO.

Materials and methods: This study retrospectively evaluated the presence of AMO in CBCT images of 543 patients, the patients' age, gender, and dentition status, the presence of nasal cavity variations and maxillary sinus pathologies, and their relationship to the presence of AMO. Descriptive values of the data and comparative results were included.

Results: 249 males and 294 females participated in the study. The majority of right and left sinus pathologies were irregular type mucosal thickenings (right/left; 14%, 14.9%). The majority of nasal variations were concha bullosa (right/left; 37.9%, 39.2%). There were 148 (27.3%) and 138 (25.4%) AMOs on the right and left sides, respectively, with the majority in the middle position (right/left; 21.2%/17.5%). The frequency of right and left AMOs was significantly higher in men (P = 0.019 and P = 0.020, respectively). The left AMO frequency was significantly higher in patients with left-sided sinus pathology (P = 0.003). AMO diameters were larger in men (right/left P = 0.010 and P = 0.021, respectively), and left AMO diameter was significantly larger in patients with left sinus pathology (P = 0.006).

Conclusions: Before any surgical intervention in the maxillary sinus and osteomeatal region, the presence and location of the AMO, existing pathologies, and variations in the region should be carefully checked to avoid complications.

Background: The angle between the median axes of the forearm and arm is called the carrying angle (CA). Sex differences in CA and its relation to age, height, weight, and BMI are unclear. The aim of the present study was to measure the CA in male and female subjects in the Saudi population and correlate it with the above variables.

Materials and methods: A digital goniometer was used to measure CA in 181 males and 165 females. Information on age, height, weight, and BMI was also recorded.

Results: CA showed differences based on sex, though was independent of age, height, weight, and BMI. Hormonal factors may influence CA and could explain larger CA values in female subjects.

Conclusions: CA measurement in specific population groups contributes to the successful management of several pathological conditions of the elbow and aids in the design of elbow orthotics and prosthetics.

Background: Arterial hypertension is a primary risk factor for kidney disease. Recent advances have implied a potential link between the apelin system and renal homeostasis.

Materials and methods: We used 6- and 12-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats and age-matched normotensive controls to assess the changes in the renal expression of the apelin receptor by immunohistochemical method. The study also evaluated correlations between the renal apelin receptor's expression and renal injury indicators.

Results: The histological analysis showed elevated glomerular sclerosis and tubulointerstitial damage indices in both groups of hypertensive rats compared to age-matched controls. Older rats within each group exhibited higher scores than younger ones. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed varying apelin receptor expression patterns, with tubular expression intensifying both with hypertension severity and age. Glomerular expression was notably higher in older hypertensive rats compared to normotensive controls. We reported significant positive correlations between glomerular apelin receptor expression and glomerular sclerosis index in older hypertensive animals. Similarly, a positive correlation between tubular apelin receptor expression and tubulointerstitial damage index was discovered in hypertensive rats, suggesting hypertension-related changes in apelin receptor expression and renal damage.

Conclusions: Our study found kidney changes and varying apelin receptor correlations in hypertensive rat kidneys, suggesting complex roles needing research.

Background: The azygos vein (AV) plays a crucial role in the mediastinal region, exhibiting considerable variability in its anatomy and relationship with surrounding structures. This study aims to assess the morphometry and anatomy of the AV through a comprehensive meta-analysis of studies reporting extractable data on this vessel.

Materials and methods: Major online medical databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SciELO, BIOSIS, Current Content Connect, Korean Journal Database and Wiley online library were searched to gather all relevant studies regarding the anatomical characteristics of the AV.

Results: The results of the present meta-analysis comprised 40 studies, categorized into eight groups for data analysis. The mean AV diameter at its origin was set at 3.86 mm (SE = 0.84). The most prevalent was type IIB, with a prevalence of 40.23% (95% CI: 29.06-51.92%). The pooled prevalence of the right subcostal and right ascending lumbar veins forming the AV was 73.82% (95% CI: 55.77-88.67%).

Conclusions: The AV exhibits a high degree of variability regarding its origin, trajectory, and connections with the hemiazygos system. The most prevalent type of AV, according to the Anson and McVay classification, was Type II (transitional type). Moreover, the vein was found to be formed by the right subcostal and the right ascending lumbar veins in the majority of the cases. This is the most comprehensive and current assessment of AV morphometry and anatomy to date. The findings are a valuable resource for physicians, especially surgeons performing various procedures in the mediastinum.

Background: To conduct a morphological and morphometric analysis of the sacral hiatus (SH) using lumbosacral spine CT scans and to evaluate its clinical relevance in caudal epidural analgesia (CEA).

Materials and methods: This retrospective study analyzed 77 lumbosacral spine CT scans from a diverse patient population. The shape of the SH was classified into common types: inverted U, inverted V, irregular, and bilobed. Morphometric measurements included the length, width, and depth at the apex of the SH. The apex level of the SH was also determined in relation to the sacral vertebrae, and statistical analysis was performed to identify any correlation between the apex level and the morphometric dimensions.

Results: The most frequent SH shape was inverted U (68.83%), followed by inverted V (20.77%), irregular (9%), and a single instance of a bilobed shape (1.29%). The apex of the SH was most commonly located at the level of the S4 vertebra (75.32%), followed by the S3 vertebra (20.77%), S5 in two (2.59) and S2 in one (1.29%). No significant correlation was found between the level of the apex and the length, width, or depth of the SH. These findings indicate a high degree of anatomical variability in the SH, independent of the apex level.

Conclusions: The anatomical variability of the SH, as observed in this study, underscores the need for individualized assessment during CEA. The lack of correlation between the apex level and the morphometric dimensions of the SH highlights the importance of imaging modalities such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy to ensure precise localization and effective analgesia administration. These insights can improve clinical outcomes by enhancing the accuracy and safety of caudal epidural procedures.

Background: An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a rare vascular anomaly defined by the origin of the right subclavian artery from the aorta, distal to the left subclavian artery (LSA). An ARSA was found in an 83-year-old female during cadaveric dissection for anatomy teaching, which had an unusually narrow lumen compared to previously reported cases.

Materials and methods: The specific morphology of this ARSA variant was characterised by further dissection and measurements. A systematic review of cadaveric case reports with quantitative evaluation of ARSA dimensions was conducted for comparison with this case.

Results: This ARSA variant exhibited an unusually narrow lumen (8.22 mm²) compared to the LSA (152.55²), with an ARSA: LSA ratio of 0.24. The systematic review included 17 studies with 23 cases of ARSAs. Of these cases, 20 contained details of ARSA diameter, 19 of which were wider than in this case. In all studies where both ARSA and LSA diameters were measured, ARSA was found to be significantly wider than LSA (mean ratio of ARSA to LSA: 1.49, range: 1.09-2.00). Several other variations were reported in these studies, such as concomitant aortic arch branch anomalies and differing origins of ARSA as defined by vertebral level and relation to the aortic arch.

Conclusions: This case report presents an unusually narrow ARSA which has not been previously described in the literature. As there is limited evidence on how ARSA morphology affects clinical outcomes, further research is needed to better inform management of ARSAs.

Background: To understand considerable variations in number of adult extensor ten-dons at the dorsal side of the wrist and hand.

Materials and methods: We examined histological sections from 30 human fetuses of gestational age 7-39 weeks and crown-rump length 22-323 mm.

Results: At the carpal level, earlier or smaller fetuses showed a simpler configuration with fewer tendon slips, whereas later or larger fetuses had a greater number of tendon slips with considerable variations in number and topographical relationships. Tendon slips of the early extensor digitorum to the middle and ring fingers were always 1 or 2, but were seven or more at late term. A tendon of the extensor digitorum to the little fin-ger could not be distinguished from other tendons at the carpal bone level. At the meta-carpal bone level, however, it extended from the ring finger tendon toward two slips of the extensor digiti minimi tendon. At the distal carpal level at midterm and late term, in which the tendon sheath was lost, each of the extensor digitorum tendon slips further divided to provide a mediolateral linear cluster of thin bundles. This large number of tendon components joined and united together to provide a single tight tendon at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joints. The extensor pollicis longs tendon usually lost a membranous septation when it crossed the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon.

Conclusions: Tendon slips in the fourth and fifth canals of the sheath were most likely to reduce in number after birth depending on the mechanical demand.