Unusual sensory innervation of the dorsal hand and why we should bear this variation in mind.

Detailed knowledge of the anatomy and different variations of the superficial branch of the radial nerve could be of great importance not only to anatomists but also to clinicians. A predominant radial nerve supply to the dorsum of the hand is rare. Herein, we present an unusual case of unilateral sensory innervation of the dorsal hand found during routine anatomical dissection of a 72-year-old at death male Caucasian cadaver. We also present a brief discussion of the reported variation and emphasize its potential clinical implications.

A unique variation of a four-bellied digastric muscle named "real quadrigastric muscle": a case report and literature review.

From a topographical standpoint, the digastric muscle is key to the formation of several triangles of the neck, which are of the utmost clinical significance. Herein, we present a previously unrecognised variation of the digastric muscle: a quadrigastric muscle with two accessory bellies originating from the body and angle of the mandible and inserting to the intermediate tendon. Three new triangles are demarcated between the four bellies of the aberrant muscle. Detailed knowledge of variations of the digastric muscle, changing the borders and relationships of the topographic triangles, is paramount for radiologists and surgeons operating on the anterior region of the neck.

Variant origin of three main coronary ostia from the right sinus of Valsalva: report of a rare case.

Observing anomalies in the origin of the coronary arteries is a rare but recognised scenario during coronarography. All the major coronary arteries originating from the right sinus of Valsalva is an extremely rare anomaly, its reported incidence being 0.008% in angiographic studies. Most coronary artery variations are benign and are therefore found accidentally or postmortem. However, some anomalies in the origin of the coronary arteries are associated with myocardial ischaemia and a higher risk of sudden cardiac death. Herein, we report a sporadic case of anomalous origin of the coronary arteries, in which the right coronary artery, anterior interventricular artery and left circumflex artery arise separately from the right sinus of Valsalva, each originating from a separate ostium. Regardless of their low incidence rate, coronary artery anomalies can cause serious technical challenges during coronary angiography and percutaneous interventions because of the unusual location and course of the artery. Echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging can be useful in such cases.

Variations in the origin of the superior laryngeal artery and their clinical significance: a case report with a proposal for a new classification / Variaciones en el origen de la arteria laríngea superior y su significado clínico: reporte de un caso con una nueva propuesta de clasificación

SUMMARY: The superior laryngeal artery is the primary vessel providing the blood supply to the larynx. Commonly, it is derived from the superior thyroid artery. Different variations in the origin have been described in the current literature; knowledge of such variations is crucial for various surgical interventions of the larynx and surgical procedures in the lateral region of the neck regarding the carotid triangle. It should be noted that radiological studies, such as selective angiography of the thyroid gland, can also be misleading in cases of variations. Herein, we describe a case of bilateral superior laryngeal artery originating directly from the external carotid artery of the neck. The arteries at first have a transverse course and then pierce through the thyrohyoid membrane alongside internal laryngeal nerves. Moreover, we also review the known variations in the origin of the superior laryngeal artery and propose a new classification of all known variations.

RESUMEN: La arteria laríngea superior es el vaso principal que proporciona el suministro de sangre a la laringe. Comúnmente, se deriva de la arteria tiroidea superior. Han sido descritas diferentes variaciones en su origen y el conocimiento de éstas resulta crucial para las intervenciones quirúrgicas realizadas en la laringe, como también en los procedimientos quirúrgicos que se llevan a cabo en la región lateral del cuello, respecto al triángulo carotídeo. Cabe señalar que los estudios radiológicos, como la angiografía selectiva de la glándula tiroides, también pueden ser engañosos en casos de variaciones anatómicas. Aquí, describimos un caso de arteria laríngea superior bilateral que se originaba directamente de la arteria carótida externa. Las arterias al inicio tenían un curso transversal y luego atravezaban la membrana tirohioidea junto con los nervios laríngeos internos. Revisamos también las variaciones conocidas en el origen de la arteria laríngea superior y proponemos una nueva clasificación de todas las variaciones conocidas.

Unusual case of the saphenous plexus in the thigh and why we should have borne this variation in mind.

Detailed knowledge of the anatomy and different variations of the saphenous nerve could be of great importance not only to anatomists but also to clinicians. There are very few studies of saphenous nerve morphology in thigh. Most of the reported variations of this nerve concern the infrapatellar branch. In contrast, a saphenous plexus has been described in only one case. Herein, we present an unusual case of unilateral saphenous plexus formation in the right thigh found during routine anatomical dissection of a 69-year-old male Caucasian cadaver. We also present a brief discussion of the saphenous plexus and emphasize its potential clinical implications.

A comparative morphometric study of the myocardium during the postnatal development in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: Differences in the size of cardiac muscle cells observed in normal and hypertrophic hearts have been assessed through different methodologies. Spontaneously hypertensive rats are often used as an experimental model of essential hypertension in humans, which allows researchers to study the relation between hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. It has been shown that ventricular hypertrophy in mammals progresses and ventricular failure develops in the end stage of hypertrophy. The aim of the present study was to analyse a number of morphometric markers and compare them between male normotensive Wistar rats (WR) and male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The total number of male WR was 15, distributed in five age groups, each containing three animals: 2-week-old; 1-month-old; 3-month--old; 6-month-old; 12-month-old. The male SHR were distributed in two age groups, each containing three animals: 1-month-old (young) and 6-month-old (adult). RESULTS: As aging progressed, both in male normotensive WR and in male SHR we noted a statistically significant increase in the morphometric parameters thickness of the free wall and the cross-sectional area of the cardiomyocytes and their nuclei and a decrease in the cardiomyocytic density in both ventricles. These changes were more pronounced and occurred at an earlier age in SHR. CONCLUSIONS: The present study analyses in detail the alterations in the myocardium of the left and right ventricle, initiated by age-related hypertrophy, as well as hy-pertrophy induced by arterial hypertension. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 253-265).

NADPH-diaphorase-positive neurons in the human inferior colliculus: morphology, distribution and clinical implications.

Using the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) reaction with nitroblue tetrazolium, we provided a detailed investigation of the distribution, dimensional characteristics and morphology of NADPH-d-positive neurons in the three main subdivisions of the human inferior colliculus (IC): central nucleus, pericentral nucleus, and external nucleus. In accordance with their perikaryal diameter, dendritic and axonal morphology, these neurons were categorized as large (averaging up to 45 µm in diameter), medium (20-30 µm), small (13-16 µm) and very small (7-10 µm). Their morphological differences could contribute to varying functionality and processing capacity. Our results support the hypothesis that large and medium NADPH-d-positive cells represent projection neurons, while the small cells correspond to interneurons. Heretofore, the very small NADPH-d-positive neurons have not been described in any species. Their functions-and if they are, indeed, the smallest neurons in the IC of humans-remain to be clarified. Owing to their location, we posit that they are interneurons that connect the large NADPH-d-positive neurons and thereby serve as an anatomical substrate for information exchange and processing before feeding forward to higher brain centers. Our results also suggest that the broad distribution of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in the human IC is closely tied to the neuromodulatory action of NO on collicular neurotransmitters such as GABA and glutamate, and to calcium-binding proteins such as parvalbumin. A deeper understanding of the relationship between NADPH-d-positive fibers in all IC connections and their co-localization with other neurotransmitters and calcium-binding proteins will assist in better defining the function of NO in the context of its interplay with the cerebral cortex, the sequelae of the aging process and neurodegenerative disorders.

Neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity in the cat claustrum: A light- and electron-microscopic investigation.

The claustrum is a telencephalic nucleus located ventrolateral to the basal ganglia in the mammalian brain. It has an extensive reciprocal connectivity with most if not all of the cerebral cortex, in particular, primary sensory areas. However, despite renewed and growing interest amongst investigators, there remains a paucity of data concerning its peptidergic profile. The aim of the present study was to examine the presence, morphology, distribution and ultrastructure of neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive (NPY-ir) neurons and fibers in the claustrum of the cat. Ten adult healthy cats from both sexes were used. All animals received human and ethical treatment in accordance with the Principles of Laboratory Animal Care. Subjects were irreversibly anesthetized and transcardially perfused with fixative solution containing glutaraldehyde and paraformaldehyde. Brains were promptly removed, postfixed and sectioned. Slices were incubated with polyclonal anti-NPY antibodies according to the standard avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method adopted by our Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology. NPY-ir neurons and fibers were found to be diffusely distributed throughout the claustrum, with no obvious topographic or functional patterning other than larger numbers in its central/broadest part (stereotaxic planes A12-A16). Neurons were generally classified by diameter into three sizes: small (under 17 µm), medium (17-25 µm) and large (over 25 µm). Staining density is varied with some neurons appearing darker than others. At the electron-microscopic level NPY immunoproduct was observed within neurons, dendrites and terminal boutons, each differing relative to their ultrastructural attributes. Two types of NPY-ir synaptic boutons were found. Lastly, it is of interest to note that gender-specific differences were not observed.

Parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons in the human claustrum.

The morphology and distribution of parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons (PV-ir) were studied in the human claustrum. PV-ir neurons were observed throughout the claustrum, with the highest numbers noted in the central (broadest) portion as compared with the dorsal and ventral aspects. Reaction product was evident in the neuronal perikarya, dendritic processes, and spines. In the majority of these labeled neurons, the cytoplasm was devoid of lipofuscin pigment. Cell bodies varied widely in both shape and size, ranging from oval and small, to multipolar and large. PV-ir neurons were classified into two groups, primarily based on dendritic morphology: spiny neurons with long and straight dendrites, and aspiny neurons with thin and curving dendritic processes. PV-ir fibers were seen throughout the neuropil, with many immuno-positive puncta noted.