Anatomy & Cell Biology最新文献

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a global paradigm shift in the teaching of human anatomy. Most institutions successfully transitioned from traditional in-person teaching methods, to various distance-learning strategies. Since virtual reality (VR) offers immersive three-dimensional (3D) experiences, this study investigated students' experiences regarding the capacity of VR to support distance-learning of anatomy. Using the VR application, 3D Organon Virtual Reality Anatomy, anatomy instructors pre-recorded learning content as 360-degree videos with live voice-over and integrated it into the teaching material of the MBBS first-year abdomen, pelvis, and perineum-structure and function course. A 19-item 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, comprising of two major categories, "VR experience in anatomy lessons" and "VR in anatomy lessons vs. traditional cadaveric dissection" was disseminated. Post-evaluation analysis revealed a response rate of 63.5%. Almost 70% of students agreed that VR was instrumental in solidifying their theoretical understanding and improved spatial awareness with better retention of anatomical relationships. Approximately 50% wanted to continue using VR even if instruction becomes onsite. Though 72% of participants agree that VR addressed the session learning objectives only 24% agree that it is similar or better than cadaveric dissection, thus preferring cadaveric dissection to VR. Only 12.1% agree that VR is more beneficial to cadaveric dissection. Our exploration into the integration of VR technology in anatomy teaching has revealed promising opportunities. While VR can augment traditional teaching methods in unprecedented times such as war, floods or global pandemic, it should not replace hands-on cadaveric learning entirely, but rather complement existing approaches.

Anomalies of the vertebral artery (VA) and its branches are rare but critical in neurovascular procedures. In a 38-year-old female, digital subtraction angiography revealed an anomalous origin of the occipital artery (OA) from the V3 segment of the left VA, with a tortuous course supplying the neck and scalp. Below the OA's origin, the suboccipital artery of Salmon arose, bifurcating into two branches. Additionally, an extradural posterior inferior cerebellar artery originated from the same segment, entering the skull via the foramen magnum and dividing into medial and lateral trunks. This unique coexistence of vascular variants highlights the need for detailed preoperative vascular outlining to minimize intraoperative risks.

The ethmoidal foramina (EF), located on the medial orbital wall along the frontoethmoidal sutures, are critical anatomical landmarks for surgeries involving the medial orbital wall. This review aimed to review the surgical anatomy of the EF, including their embryology and radiology. Although the frontoethmoidal sutures mostly have two foramina passing through them, there are reports of single foramen or multiple, up to six foramina. These foramina provide a passage for the ethmoidal arteries and nerves, branches of ophthalmic arteries and nerves. The surgical guideline "24-12-6" is based on the approximate distance between the anterior lacrimal crest, the anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries, and the optic canal, commonly used to navigate this area. However, some studies from various populations defined different ratios. Embryologically, the EF were formed by the union of intramembranous ossified frontal bones and endochondral ossified ethmoid bones. EF and neurovascular structures can be identified in computed tomography even in the 3 mm sectional intervals. A comprehensive anatomical understanding of EF will help clinicians improve surgical guidelines and ultimately reduce the risk of complications.

During routine dissection, we observed a unique case of unilateral polydactyly in the left foot of a 61-year-old male cadaver. We observed the medial head of the quadratus plantae (QP) muscle, which gave off an additional tendinous slip before joining the lateral head of QP. The 4th tendon of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) was bifurcated into two tendinous parts after receiving a thin fibrous slip from the tendinous slip of the medial head of QP. The medial division of the 4th tendon of FDL passed forward and attached to the base of the distal phalanx of the 5th toe. The extra tendinous slip from the medial head of QP was attached distally to the lateral division of the 4th tendon of FDL and formed a common anomalous tendon to the 6th toe. The knowledge of this variation would be helpful in reconstructive foot surgeries and correction of congenital deformities.

The suprascapular nerve corresponds to one of the supraclavicular branches of the brachial plexus, and its route exposes it to being injured during some surgical procedures. Morphometric analysis of the scapula has been proposed as a tool for preventing injuries to the suprascapular nerve. The present investigation aimed to determine the safe distances for approaching the suprascapular nerve at the level of the scapular notch (SPN) and spinoglenoid notch, in addition to establishing its relationship with the type of SPN and with two scapular dimensions: major longitudinal axis (MLA) and major transverse axis (MTA). For this purpose, a descriptive-correlative, quantitative, non-experimental and transversal study was carried out, in which 82 dry scapulae from adult individuals of Chilean origin were investigated. The main results of this study found that prevalences were highest for SPNs types II (36.2%), I (29.3%), and III (26.0%), with average distances that were considered safe in all types of SPNs. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation, with P<0.05, between the MTA (r=0.526; r=0.634), MLA (r=0.284) and the safe distances for the suprascapular nerve at the level of the SPN and incisura spinoglenoid of the scapulae studied. Scapular dimensions such as the MTA and the MLA could, therefore, be used to predict a safe zone for the suprascapular nerve, potentially contributing to a reduction in the current rate of injury of the suprascapular nerve in surgical procedures involving the deltoid and scapular regions.

Anterior external arcuate fibers (AEAF) are efferents of the arcuate nuclei, which are located on the ventral surface of pyramids. Several types of fibre bundles superficial to the pyramids have been described in early and mid 20th century. Recently, few of these have been studied in detail. Objective of present study was to observe the morphology of AEAF in the Indian population. Distinct AEAF were noted in 13 out of 50 brain specimens. Based on their relation to olive, AEAF were further classified as supraolivary, preolivary and supraolivary fibers and their prevalence noted as 25%, 15%, and 9% respectively. Supraolivary and preolivary fibers were present together in 9 brainstem sides, while co-presence of preolivary and circumolivary fibers was noted in only 1 side. All three types of fibres were observed together in 5 brainstem sides. When present bilaterally, supraolivary and preolivary fibers were seen in 92.30% and 66.66% of brainstem respectively, while circumolivary fibers were seen bilaterally in 28.57% of brainstem. Supraolivary and circumolivary fibers exhibited variable morphology as single, double and multiple fiber bundles. Morphometric analysis revealed presence of thicker supraolivary fiber bundle on right side, while thicker circumolivary fiber bundles were noted on left side. Present study will add to knowledge of this variable fiber bundle pattern, which has been reported to play an important role in regulation of crucial physiological functions such as breathing and cardiorespiratory mechanisms. These observations open avenues for further research into developmental factors involved in migration of neurons from the rhombic lip.

The complex architecture of the papillary muscles (PMs) of the ventricles plays a crucial role in cardiac function and pathology. This comparative study aimed to examine the differences in PMs morphology between the right and left ventricles, focusing on their number, location, and shape. A total of 38 grossly normal hearts from donated bodies were dissected, and the number, location, and shape of PMs in both ventricles were observed. In this study, the left ventricle predominantly exhibited a single PM with 71.05% on the sternocostal surface and 57.89% on the diaphragmatic surface. The right ventricle showed a higher prevalence of single PM, at 89.47% on the sternocostal surface and 63.16% on the diaphragmatic surface. Broad-based shape of the PM emerged as the predominant variant, constituting 55.26% and 44.73% on the sternocostal and diaphragmatic surfaces of the left ventricle, respectively. In contrast, conical-shaped PM predominated in the right ventricle. Unique findings included "H" and "b" shaped muscles, conjoint PMs were observed exclusively in the left ventricle, and small papillary projections with direct tendinous cord attachment in the right ventricle. A distinct webbed shaped configuration of PM was exclusively observed in the right ventricle in only one specimen. No significant difference (P=0.84) was noted in muscle bellies between ventricular surfaces. This study emphasizes the complexity and variability in PM morphology, highlighting the importance of a thorough understanding of these structures for cardiothoracic surgeons, radiologists, and cardiologists to enhance interventional techniques.

The linguofacial trunk (LFT) is the conjoined origin of the lingual (LA) and facial (FA) arteries. We present an uncommon case of LFT due to its origin, length, and diameter. The computed tomography angiogram of an adult male case was evaluated. On the right side, the external carotid artery (ECA) gave off a large LFT before reaching the greater hyoid horn, with an outer diameter of 3.7 mm. The outer diameter of the ECA of 3.4 mm. The ECA and the LFT were on the outer side of the greater hyoid horn. After an ascending course of 20.9 mm anteriorly to the ECA, the LFT branched into the LA and FA. Bilateral elongated styloid processes reaching laterally to the oropharyngeal isthmus were also assessed. In conclusion, care should be taken not to confuse a large LFT with the ECA on the outer side of the greater hyoid horn.

Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis has developed rapidly since it first emerged in the 1980s, becoming an almost indispensable tool in anthropological and archaeological sciences. Earlier aDNA study was based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, with which, unfortunately, modern DNA contamination and other authenticity issues were often incurred. These technical hurdles were soon overcome by application of advancements in the forms of the next generation sequencing (NGS) technique and others. However, since NGS requires money, time, and, in the case of large projects, manpower as well, genetic analysis of some ancient samples considered to be insignificant is commonly delayed or, in the worst cases, neglected entirely. We acknowledge that as a diagnostic tool in aDNA analysis, PCR is less accurate than NGS and more easily affected by modern DNA contamination; but it also has advantages, such as simplicity, time-saving, and greater ease of interpretation, among others. The role of PCR in aDNA analysis, then, should be reconsidered.

Aromatase inhibitors are increasingly being used as adjuvant therapy for hormone-responsive cancers. These drugs may reduce the endogenous estrogen production in the cerebellum. Prolonged use has been associated with symptoms such as ataxia, poorer balance performance and diminished verbal memory, suggesting impaired cerebellar function. Thus, this study sought to outline the structural basis for the cerebellar deficits observed. Twenty-seven male rats (3 baseline, 15 experimental, 9 control) aged three months were recruited with the intervention group receiving 0.5 mg/kg of letrozole daily for 50 days by oral gavage while the control group received normal saline. Their cerebella were harvested for histological processing on days 20, 35, and 50. Photomicrographs were taken and analysed using Fiji ImageJ software. The dendritic spine densities and Purkinje linear densities were coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0. A P-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. A temporal decline in the Purkinje linear density as well as pyknosis and cytoplasmic eosinophilia was noted in the intervention group (P=0.1). Further, the dendritic spine density of the Purkinje neurons in the intervention group was markedly reduced (P=0.01). The reduction in the linear cell density and the dendritic spine density of the Purkinje cells following letrozole administration may provide an anatomical basis for the functional cerebellar deficits seen in chronic aromatase inhibitor use.