What is the history of the term "azygos vein" in the anatomical terminology?

The term "azygos vein" is in common use in modern anatomical and cardiovascular textbooks to describe the vein which ascends to the right side of the vertebral column in the region of the posterior mediastinum draining into the superior vena cava. "Azygos" in Greek means "without a pair", explaining the lack of a similar vein on the left side of the vertebral column in the region of the thorax. The term "azygos" vein was utilized firstly by Galen and then was regenerated during Sylvius' dissections and Vesalius' anatomical research, where it received its final concept as an official anatomical term. The purpose of this study is to highlight the origin of the term "azygos vein" to the best of our knowledge for the first time and its evolution from the era of Hippocrates to Realdo Colombo.

Congenital Synostosis of Cervical Vertebrae: An Osteological Study and Review of the Literature.

Introduction The possible appearance of congenital fusion of the second cervical vertebra with adjacent cervical vertebrae, along with its epidemiology, embryological development, and clinical manifestations, was the aim of the current study. Methods The osteological material of 93 dried second cervical vertebrae of both sexes were examined in order to identify the likely presence of congenital fusion with the neighboring vertebrae. Results Among 93 axes, we identified one case of a congenitally fused second cervical vertebrae with the third and fourth cervical vertebrae, which accounted for a frequency of 1.08%. There was an incomplete fusion of the vertebral bodies and almost complete fusion of the laminae and facet joints. Conclusion The knowledge of such rare vertebral synostosis is crucial for the neurosurgeon, orthopedist, and physician dealing with the cervical spine, as well as the anesthetist when performing procedures, such as endotracheal intubation.

A Case of Abnormal Origin of the Azygos Vein System: An Anatomical Study in a Human Cadaver.

The azygos vein (AV) system is considered a venous system which displays great variability in its formation and course. Especially, regarding the origin of the AV system, the international literature describes mostly the union of the ascending lumbar with the subcostal veins, though other origins are documented as well. The current study displays an abnormal origin of the azygos system, which to the best of our knowledge has never been described before.

Costoclavicular Joint: An Osteological Study on Clavicles with Clinical Relevance.

Introduction The current study aims to detect the incidence of occurrence of a morphological variant of the impression for the costoclavicular ligament, that is a faceted apophysis of the clavicle which participates in the formation of an aberrant joint, the so-called costoclavicular joint. Methods A material of 208 dry clavicles, 107 of right and 101 of left side derived from an osteological collection, was examined in order to detect the likely presence of facet apophysis at the clavicular area of impression for the costoclavicular ligament. Results We observed three cases of oval-shaped faceted apophysis, thus an incidence of 1.44%, two in right clavicles and one in left clavicle. Conclusion The awareness of such a rare joint, thus the costoclavicular joint, is important for the physician, since such a joint may be mistaken for occupying space lesion, induce pain when it is osteoarthritic and decrease the costoclavicular space leading to difficulties in subclavian vein catheterization.

Neural Loop by the Median Nerve's Roots Associated with Multiple Neurovascular Anomalies: A Cadaver-based Case Report with Clinical Aspects.

The existence of a combination of neural and vascular variations in the axilla and arm region are relatively common. In the current case study, an association of a neural loop by the roots of the left median nerve along with an ipsilateral proximal division of the brachial artery in the upper arm and bilateral communications between the median and musculocutaneous nerves is documented. The morphological features of these abnormalities, along with the clinical implications induced during nerve blocks and surgical interventions in the region, are discussed as well.

The Anatomist James Douglas (1675-1742): His Life and Scientific Work.

James Douglas (1675-1742) is considered one of the most important anatomists of the eighteenth century; he introduced meticulous and scientific methods for studying human anatomy. He is known for the "pouch of Douglas," but his contribution is much more important. He deepened our knowledge of the anatomy of the peritoneum, located new muscles, and evolved the already recorded knowledge in a way that it could be implemented in surgery. Furthermore, he was such a famous obstetrician that even the Pope of his era admired him for his charisma.

Lymphovenous Anastomoses Between Thoracic Duct and Azygos Vein in a Human Cadaver: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: The study adds valuable information regarding lymphovenous communications between the thoracic duct and the azygos vein, which are very rarely discovered during anatomical dissections and very few cases have been mentioned worldwide. A detailed description of our findings and a brief review of the relevant literature are also provided. CASE REPORST: In the current study, two sizeable obliquely directed lymphovenous anastomoses between the thoracic duct and the azygos vein at the midportion of the mediastinum are described in the same cadaver. CONCLUSION: The existence of such anastomoses in humans, as well in animals, is a scientific issue under debate. Cases of rapid cancer spread could be potentially explained by the likely presence of the abovementioned communications.

Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the spleen throughout Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages.

The evolution of knowledge regarding the anatomy and physiology of the spleen throughout Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages is described, and general perceptions about this organ during different eras along this time line are presented. The original words of great physicians from the period of time stretching from Ancient Egypt to the Avicennan era are quoted and discussed to demonstrate how knowledge of the spleen has evolved and to present the theories that dominated each era. Furthermore, theories about illnesses relating to the spleen are reported, which show how this organ was perceived-in terms of its function and anatomy-during each era.