Anatomical Science International最新文献

The interincisive suture (sutura interincisiva) connects the left and right premaxilla at the midline of the anterior palate and plays a role in craniofacial development. Despite its anatomical and developmental importance, postnatal changes in this suture remain understudied. Here, we investigated the age-dependent growth and closure of the interincisive suture using CT scans from 384 patients aged 0-94 years. Suture presence, length, and width were assessed in five-year age groups. Results show a progressive closure of the suture with age, with complete obliteration in most individuals over 35. Rates of open interincisive sutures in older patients are up to 25%. Sex differences emerged, with females showing a higher rate of suture closure in early years but a higher rate of open sutures in old age. A strong negative correlation was observed between age and both suture width (r = -0.545, p < 0.001) and length (r = -0.530, p < 0.001). The findings highlight similarities with, but also distinctions from, other midfacial sutures such as the midpalate suture and the incisive suture. Clinical implications include timing considerations for orthodontic interventions and improved understanding of midfacial growth patterns.

The variations in the branching pattern of the axillary artery are clinically significant. We report an extremely rare combination of arterial variations discovered during the routine anatomical dissection of the left upper limb in a 73-year-old male cadaver. The most significant findings were a superficial ulnar artery originating directly from the axillary artery, proximal to the ansa pectoralis. The superficial ulnar artery coursed superficially in the forearm and terminated as the primary contribution to the superficial palmar arch. Additionally, a common trunk for the circumflex scapular and thoracodorsal arteries arose directly from the axillary artery. Finally, the anterior circumflex humeral artery and posterior circumflex humeral artery arose from a common trunk originating from the deep brachial artery. The posterior circumflex humeral artery passed through the triangular interval bordered by the teres major, long head of the triceps brachii, and humerus. A common trunk for the circumflex scapular and thoracodorsal arteries arose directly from the axillary artery, separate from the subscapular artery. The superficial course of the superficial ulnar artery and the atypical posterior circumflex humeral artery course increase the risk of iatrogenic injury during shoulder and arm surgeries.

The transverse facial artery is a key vascular structure supplying the lateral face and is critically important in surgical procedures such as facelifts, facial trauma repair, and injectable treatments. However, detailed anatomical studies on the transverse facial artery remain scarce. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the anatomical variations, depth, branching patterns and clinical significance of the transverse facial artery (TFA) using both cadaveric dissection and computed tomography angiography (CTA). This study employed a dual-modality design, combining cadaveric dissection of 40 hemifaces and computed tomography angiography of 180 hemifaces. Parameters analyzed included the artery's origin, course, length, depth from the skin surface, and branching pattern. The transverse facial artery was classified according to its origin, branching, and topographic course. In cadaveric specimens, a single transverse facial artery was present in 87.5% of cases, most commonly originating from the superficial temporal artery (90%) and less frequently from the external carotid artery (5%). Imaging revealed a single artery in 91.1% of cases, with 83.3% originating from the superficial temporal artery, 3.9% directly from the external carotid artery, and 12.8% from its bifurcation. Six branching types and three course-based zones were defined, with the superior zone being the most frequent (65%). The artery was significantly deeper in the inferior zone (p < 0.05). In this study, we report for the first time the measurement of the depth of the TFA from the skin surface, with a mean value of 10.54 mm. This comprehensive anatomical and morphometric evaluation provides clinically relevant insights into transverse facial artery variability. The findings offer a refined classification and practical guidance to support safer surgical and aesthetic procedures.

An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a congenital vascular anomaly in which the right subclavian artery originates directly from the aortic arch distal to the left subclavian artery. Although often asymptomatic, ARSA can lead to clinical complications, such as dysphagia, upper respiratory issues, and vascular events. In this study, we examined the gross anatomical and histological characteristics of the ARSA based on three cadavers selected from a total of 7 ARSA cases identified among 3,158 specimens dissected between 1948 and 2024 at Nihon University School of Medicine (overall incidence: 0.22%). All three cases exhibited a retroesophageal course of the ARSA and absence of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve, replaced by a non-recurrent laryngeal nerve. One case also presented a bicarotid trunk. Histological analysis of one cadaver revealed variable patterns of intimal thickening in the ARSA, particularly at the flattened segment compressed between the esophagus and vertebral body, suggesting localized hemodynamic stress. Despite these structural changes, the tunica media remained intact. No Kommerell diverticulum was observed. These findings highlight the embryological and structural basis of ARSA and its potential clinical relevance in surgical and endovascular procedures. The presence of ARSA should prompt careful preoperative planning to avoid nerve injury or procedural complications. The observed correlation between arterial flattening and histological changes may also help explain some embolic phenomena previously reported in patients with ARSA. This study contributes new insights into the anatomical variations and histopathological features of ARSA, with particular relevance to vascular and head and neck surgery.