An Anatomical Study of Gracilis Muscle and its Vascular Pedicles.

Background: Gracilis muscle being easily accessible and functionally a weak muscle is suitable for muscle graft to replace the damaged muscle in any part of the body. The length of the muscle, vascular pedicles and limited donor site morbidity helps the surgeon to plan accordingly. The muscle receives a number of vascular pedicles ranging from one to five. The source of these pedicles varies. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 36 formalin fixed lower limbs of both sexes of unknown age from the department of Anatomy, BMCRI, Bangalore. Results and Discussion: In 75% of limbs two vascular pedicles were seen penetrating the muscle at different levels and in 25% accessory pedicles were seen in the lower 2/3rd of the muscle. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the first vascular pedicle to the muscle is always constant in position accompanied by its venae comitans and branch from obturator nerve and is placed at a distance of 10.5cms±2cms from the pubic tubercle.

Study of Lateral Pterygoid Muscle and its Relation with the Maxillary Artery and Buccal Nerve and an Anatomical Classification Based on its Insertion.

Background: Lateral pterygoid muscle plays an important role in the mandibular movements and dynamics of temporomandibualr joint. Anterior displacement of the disc and temporomandibular dysfunction has been related to the insertion of upper head of LPM in the TMJ disc. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted on forty specimens from formalin fixed cadavers in the department of Anatomy , BMCRI, Bangalore. Results and Discussion: In 72.5% of cases the upper head of LPM insert to the disc and blend with the capsule and lower head inserts to the inferior aspect of the disc, to the capsule and the condyle of mandible. Conclusion: Though there is no clear demarcation between the heads of LPM majority of the upper fibers insert to the disc and to the capsule.

Bilateral absence of common carotid artery with variant branching pattern of Aortic arch.

Background: Variation in the branching pattern of aortic arch occurs as a result of developmental changes involved in the transformation of the embryonic pharyngeal arch system of arteries into the adult arterial pattern. Materials and Method: During routine dissection for first MBBS in the department of Anatomy BMCRI, Bangalore, it was observed that both the common carotid arteries were absent in a 45 year old male. Result: Both external carotid arteries originated from the right brachiocephalic trunk. (Innominate artery). The right internal carotid artery originated from the distal part of right brachiocephalic trunk and left internal carotid artery from the aortic arch along with the left vertebral artery. The study reports the division of brachiocephalic artery into right and left external carotid artery, right internal carotid artery and right subclavian artery. Discussion: The variation occurs as a result of increased absorption of third and fourth aortic arches into the aortic sac. Conclusion: These kind of variations should be well known by the surgeons before attempting any surgeries or during four vessel angiography.

An Anatomical study on Dorsalis Pedis Artery.

Background:The study of Dorsalis pedis artery and variations in its branching pattern has been reported sporadically. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the arterial supply on the dorsum of the foot. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on forty two dissected limbs of unknown sex and age from the department of Anatomy,BMCRI,Bangalore. Results and Discussion:The incidence of classical text book description was found to be very less in the present study. In 16.67% of cases the arcuate artery was completely absent, which was compensated by two large lateral tarsal arteries that provided the dorsal metatarsal arteries. In 9.52% of cases the dorsalis pedis artery was absent. Conclusion:The findings suggest that the lateral aspect of the dorsum of the foot has a poor nourishment.