Anatomy & Cell Biology最新文献

Although human lymph node architecture varies by site, the intranodal distribution of interdigitating dendritic cells (DCs) remains poorly understood. To address this, we compared the morphology of submandibular, paratracheal, mesenteric, and inguinal nodes obtained from 24 donated cadavers. Immunoreactivity was evaluated by comparing these cadaveric nodes with surgically resected lymph nodes obtained from five old-aged patients with nonmetastatic cancer. Despite the limited number of dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN)-positive cells (candidate DCs) in cadaveric specimens, these tissues were deemed suitable for analysis. The submandibular and paratracheal nodes exhibited a belt-like cortex, with paracortical lymph sinus extending from the subcapsular sinus and surrounding the follicle. In contrast, the mesenteric and inguinal nodes contained multiple island-like cortices separated by thick paracortical lymph sinuses. Endothelial cells lining all lymph sinuses showed reactivity for smooth muscle actin and DC-SIGN. Macrophages and candidate DCs were abundant in the paratracheal and mesenteric node sinuses but scarce in the submandibular and inguinal nodes. Notably, the medullary sinus in the submandibular and inguinal nodes was filled with fibrous tissue, and the surrounding paracortical sinuses formed a "sea" around the island-like cortices, often resulting in loss of nodal polarization. Although the proportional area occupied by candidate DCs per nodal section was almost the same at the four sites, the overlap between DCs and macrophage clusters was small in paratracheal and inguinal nodes. The amount of afferent lymph and the retention of efferent lymph might determine the site-dependent architecture. Therefore, in aged nodes, DCs were preferentially localized in the paracortical sinus.

The occipital bone squamosa (OCS) is unique because of its double origin from both endochondral and membranous bones. The present study attempted to demonstrate the process of connection between these two bone types. We examined sagittal and frontal histological sections from 29 human fetuses with a crown-rump length ranging from 38 to 328 mm (approximately 7-39 weeks of gestational age [GA]). An initial cartilage plate appeared in the posterior side of the fourth ventricle at GA 7-8 weeks and extended inferiorly to connect with the cartilaginous basioccipital and condyle. At GA 9-10 weeks, on the superior side of the cartilage plate, membranous bone fragments appeared and adopted an arrangement resembling a chain of irregularly-shaped beads. They did not form a complete plate-like bone until late-term. At GA 11-12 weeks, endochondral ossification centers appeared at the upper and lower ends of the cartilage plate. At GA 12-15 weeks, a bar-like periosteal bone developed near and superior to the upper ossification center. Notably, sinusoidal structures, which were surrounded by growing periosteal bones, contained island-like clusters of calcified cartilage fragments. Therefore, the upper ossification center appeared likely to "migrate" downward and become distant from membranous bones. The extending periosteal bone reached and joined the membranous bone fragments. Consequently, the periosteal bones connected between the endochondral and membranous bones in the OCS. This connection was quite different from the other components of the calvaria, where membranous bones overlap the skull base cartilages at the margin.

The sella turcica, part of the sphenoid bone located at the base of the skull, is associated with multiple important neurovascular structures. Hence, a detailed knowledge of its variations is critical to clinicians who interpret imaging or surgeons who operate in this region. Our aim was to better understand the pathology of osteophytosis, often found related to the sella turcica. The study sample (n=1,083, human skulls) was obtained from the skeleton collection housed in the Natural History Museum, Cleveland, OH, USA. All skulls were assessed for osteophytes in the sella turcica region (defined as an overgrowth of 1 mm or more). Morphometrical measurements included skull length, width, and thickness, correlated to seller osteophytes. Cranial shape was related to the presence of osteophytes. Greater prevalence was seen in the brachycephalic skulls, with a significantly higher ratio of presence in older people (79.6%) compared to a younger population (26.4%); greater prevalence was also observed in female skulls with a composite thickness of the frontal, parietal and occipital bones. A multifactorial analysis using a logistic regression model defined a statistically significant model, by explaining 37.0% of the variance in osteophyte presence and correctly classifying 77.2% of the cases. Female skulls were 1.76 times more likely to display osteophytes of the sella turcica. Increasing age and increased skull thickness were associated with an enhanced likelihood of exhibiting osteophytes involving the sella turcica, thereby, the shape of the skull, age, and sex partially explain the variations observed for the presence of sella turcica osteophytes.

As dental schools increasingly share anatomy curricula with medical programs, a growing mismatch is emerging between what dental students need and receive. While head and neck anatomy is essential for all health professionals, dental students require significantly more detailed, region-specific anatomical knowledge, especially regarding the oral cavity, neurovascular structures, and surgical landmarks. Yet, this level of instruction is often delivered by medical school faculty unfamiliar with the unique clinical demands of dentistry. This commentary highlights the limitations of the "borrowed" faculty model and argues for dedicated, dental-aware anatomy educators actively engaged in anatomical research to ensure competent, confident clinical performance by future dentists.

The iliocapsularis muscle (ICM), a small and often overlooked muscle of the anterior hip, has recently gained attention for its potential clinical and surgical relevance. Despite being anatomically distinct and commonly present, the ICM remains underappreciated among clinicians and anatomists. This narrative review aims to synthesize recent anatomical and clinical literature on the ICM, focusing on its origin, insertion, innervation, vascular supply, anatomical variations, histological features, and functional significance. The ICM originates from the anteromedial hip capsule and the anterior inferior iliac spine, typically inserting distal to the lesser trochanter. Its proposed function includes tightening the anterior hip capsule and stabilizing the femoral head. Electromyographic studies suggest that the ICM plays an active role during hip flexion and dynamic gait phases. Anatomical variations, including variant origins and insertions, have been documented, along with unique innervation and fascial compartmentalization. Clinically, the ICM serves as a useful landmark in total hip arthroplasty and periacetabular osteotomies. Its hypertrophy or atrophy has been linked to hip pathologies such as acetabular dysplasia and femoroacetabular impingement. Imaging modalities, including ultrasound and elastography, have further supported its diagnostic utility. This review emphasizes the need for greater recognition of the ICM's structure and function, underscoring its relevance in orthopedic procedures and hip pathology diagnostics.

The omohyoid is a digastric muscle that crosses the neck from the superior border of the scapula to the body of the hyoid bone. Variations in the omohyoid muscle are common, but a double omohyoid is considered rare and may have important clinical implications. The anatomical dissection of the neck of a middle-aged male cadaver revealed an abnormal three-headed duplicated omohyoid muscle. Behind the clavicle, the intermediate head bifurcated and fused with the medial and lateral heads, forming a small plexus that gave rise to two separate bellies, one lateral, and one medial. The bellies ascended in a superomedial direction before inserting into the hyoid bone next to each other. The intermediate tendon was rudimentary in the lateral belly and absent in the medial one. The anatomical variation described here has not been previously reported and may have clinical significance.

In the Archaeological Museum of Nicosia, Cyprus, a collection of Roman terracotta vessels-dated to the 1st century BCE to 1st century CE-offers a compelling view into the convergence of empirical healing and early anatomical reasoning. These vessels, likely used for localized heat therapy, are distinctly shaped to contour specific body parts: ears, hands, feet, knees, abdomen, and thorax. With spouts for pouring warm liquids and cavities for radiating retained heat, they appear to have functioned as reusable "hot bags" for therapeutic application. Their deliberate anatomical shapes hint at a proto-clinical understanding of the body region, anticipating modern anatomical concepts such as aesthetic units, vascular territories, and lymphatic drainage zones. These vessels fall into distinct morphologies: craniofacial and auricular vessels, shaped for the side of the head or ear-reminiscent of the posterior auricular and superficial temporal angiosomes, and suggestive of treating headaches, neuralgia, or infections. Thoracoabdominal vessels, whose curved contours match rib cage and abdominal surfaces-suggesting therapeutic warmth for visceral discomfort or muscular tension. Upper and lower limb units, including knees, thighs, and elbows-likely used in joint pain or injuries. Distal extremity molds, notably for the hands and feet-organs that modern clinicians recognize as prone to cold exposure, vasospasm, and microvascular pathology. This paper repositions these clay forms not only as implements of care, but as anatomical "drawings in relief"-early, handmade representations of functional human zones. In doing so, they reconnect anatomy with the sensory and therapeutic traditions that first shaped it.

Tamoxifen (TAM) is one of the most used drugs in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. A set of common side effects was recorded associating its prolonged clinical use that ranges 3-10 years. This study aimed to investigate TAM-induced parietal cells (PCs) injury in rats and the possible protective effect of rhubarb (Rh) water extract (WE). Twenty-four adult female rats were distributed as: control group, TAM-group (3 mg/kg/day TAM for 4-weeks) and TAM+Rh-group (combined 3 mg/kg/day TAM and 20 mg/kg Rh-WE for 4-weeks). Blood sample before euthanizing rats was tested for vitamin-B12. PCs in stomach fundus were examined using histological and transmission electron microscopic studies, besides immunohistochemistry for Caspase-3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and hydrogen potassium (H⁺/K⁺)-ATPase. Gastric homogenates were inspected for malondialdehyde (MDA) by ELISA. TAM intake induced structural and ultrastructural alteration in rat PCs including ballooning degeneration, apoptosis, decreased canaliculi, increased tubulovesicular system and irregular-shaped mitochondria. A significant increase of Caspase-3 immunostaining and MDA expression in gastric tissue was associated with a significant decrease of PCNA and H⁺/K⁺-ATPase-immunostaining and in serum vitamin-B12 as compared to the control group. Combined oral intake of TAM and Rh-WE revealed a significant reversal of the previous findings. Conclusion: Prolonged use of oral TAM substantially affected the structure and function of gastric PCs which can be ameliorated by Rh-WE.

We examined the expression and localization of osteopontin (OPN) in various organs in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). To evaluate the level of OPN in blood and various tissues, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot analysis of OPN were performed. The serum level of OPN was significantly increased in mice with EAE, and OPN was upregulated in all tissues examined, including the liver, kidneys, intestines, and spinal cord. OPN immunoreactivity was noted in inflammatory cells (mainly macrophages) and was enhanced in constitutively expressed cell types in the examined organs. In sum, OPN, a pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mediator, was elevated in all tissues following EAE induction, resulting in increased blood concentrations. These findings suggest that OPN may function as a key extracellular matrix component contributing to systemic disorders in autoimmune disease models.