Cadaveric Study of Variations in the Course of Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve: Insight to Prevent Injury.

Objective: A recent spurt in incidence of meralgia paresthetica to 0.1-81% due to minimally invasive anterior approach to hip joint has resulted in reinterest in anatomy of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Familiarity with variations in the course of LFCN will reduce the morbidity associated with orthopedic procedures around the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and inguinal ligament (IL). Methods: Twenty five adult human formalin embalmed cadavers were dissected. Course and relations of nerve to ASIS, IL and sartorius muscle was noted, distance of nerve from ASIS at IL was measured and statistically analyzed. Results: Mean distance of LFCN from ASIS at IL was 1.73±1.15 cm. Differences between two sides and sexes was statistically not significant (p=0.51 and p=0.96 respectively). Inferomedial to ASIS, 94% of LFCNs crossed IL with 92% of them present within 4 cm medial to ASIS. Majority of LFCNs (90%) exited pelvis and entered thigh posterior to IL. Out of these nerves 48% were single trunks on entry into thigh, then bifurcated into anterior and posterior branches. Remaining LFCNs bifurcated proximal to IL or at level of IL. Trifurcations were seen in 6% while a rare case of pentafication was observed. In 66% main trunk/branches were present in intermuscular cleft between sartorius muscle and tensor fascia lata. Conclusions: Care should be exercised by surgeons while dissecting around IL as more than half of nerves are liable to be injured during operative procedures. This would help in better anticipation of problem, acceptance and reducing litigation.

Development of the Hair Cells of the Human Cochlea: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study.

Introduction: In the mammalian auditory system, the cochlea is the first to attain structural and functional maturity. Although ultrastructural details of the developing cochlea of lower animals have been elucidated in the last few decades, comprehensive studies on human cochlea are lacking. Materials and Methods: In the present investigation we studied the development and maturation of the hair cells of ten human fetal cochlea from gestational weeks (GW) 12 to 37 by scanning electron microscopy. Result: We observed undifferentiated hair cells possessing numerous surface projections and long kinocilium during GW 14. At GW16, the primitive hair cells were arranged in one inner and four outer rows and had globular apices indicating the initiation of stereocilia formation. By GW 22, the globular apices were replaced by linear stereocilia and occasional kinocillia. Mature hair cells with sterocilia were observed in the basal turn at 30th week of gestation. At GW 37, the stereocilia were arranged in a typical "V" shaped pattern at the middle and apical coil, while the stereocilia of the basal turn were shorter in length resembling the adult cochlea. The inner hair cells were long and slender while outer hair cells were pear shaped, kinocilium were absent and the tunnel of Corti were well formed. Conclusion: It is concluded that in human, the morphological maturation of the hair cells starts in the basal turn around GW 22 and continues till 37th week in the apical turn indicating that early maturation of the cochlea may have a role on development of the higher auditory pathway connections.

Foramen venosum: a clinicoanatomic insight into its occurrence and morphometry.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to evaluate the foramen venosum (FV) frequency, incidence, morphometry and relation with foramen ovale in an Indian population. The emissary vein passing through it may spread extracranial facial infections to the intracranial cavernous sinus. Due to its close proximity with the foramen ovale and its variable occurrence, awareness about its presence and anatomy is essential to neurosurgeons operating in this region. METHODS: 62 dry adult human skulls were studied for the occurrence and morphometry of foramen venosum, both at the middle cranial fossa and extracranial base of the skull. Dimensions were taken using Java-based image processing program, IMAGE J. After collection of data, appropriate statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: The foramen venosum was observed in 49.1% skulls. Its presence was noted more frequently at the extracranial skull base than in the middle cranial fossa. No significant difference was observed between the two sides. FV at the extracranial view of the skull base had a larger maximum diameter than in the middle cranial fossa; however, the distance between FV and the foramen ovale was found to be more at the middle cranial fossa than at the extracranial view of the skull base on both the right and left side. Variations in the shape of the foramen venosum were also observed. CONCLUSION: The present study is not only of great importance to anatomists, but also to radiologists and neurosurgeons for better planning and execution of the surgical approach to the middle cranial fossa through the foramen ovale to prevent iatrogenic injuries.

Variations in the Pattern of the Deep Palmar Arch of the Hand and Its Surgical Importance.

Background The deep palmar arch is formed by anastomosis of the continuation of the radial artery with the deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery. With recent advances in microsurgical techniques for vascular repair, the knowledge of variations in the arteries of the hand, as well as the caliber of these arteries, has become more important for surgeons. Additionally, radial artery harvesting for myocardial revascularization is being performed nowadays, for which collateral circulation in the hand through the palmar arches is a prerequisite. Therefore, this study was conducted to study the patterns of the deep palmar arch and perform the morphometry of the arch. Methodology In this study, 30 hands (16 right and 14 left) from formalin-fixed adult human cadavers were dissected to observe the completeness, formation, and branching pattern of the deep palmar arch. The length of the arch was measured using a thread and scale. The diameters of the forming arteries and branches of the arch were measured at their origin using a digital vernier caliper. Results All deep palmar arches were complete. The arches were classified into two types based on whether the superior or inferior deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery completed the arch. Another classification was based on the interosseous space through which the radial artery or its branch entered the palmar region to complete the deep palmar arch. The length of the arch was 4.2 ± 0.47 cm on the right side and 4.0 ± 0.6 cm on the left side. The diameters of the deep palmar branch of the radial and ulnar arteries at their origin were 4.02 ± 0.48 mm and 1.90 ± 0.36 mm, respectively. No significant difference was found between the right and left sides. Conclusions The anastomosis was found between radial and ulnar arteries in all cases of the deep palmar arch. Therefore, it can be safe to sacrifice the radial artery in procedures such as radial artery harvesting and radial artery flap transfer. The knowledge of variations and morphometry of the arch will facilitate vascular repair surgeries on hands.

Study of Anatomical Variations of 1,2 Intercompartmental Supraretinacular Artery-Based Vascularized Bone Graft in Cadavers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to describe the anatomy of the 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (1,2 ICSRA), including the location of the perforators, number of perforators, and proximal and distal origins of the artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was done by dissecting both wrists of 11 fresh-frozen cadavers. In each specimen, skin incision and dissections were done in the forearm by the Henry approach. Radial artery was identified and cannulated and dye was injected. The dye consisted of the mixture of polyvinyl chloride and acetone in the ratio of 1:4, to which red-colored resin was added. The artery of interest 1,2 ICSRA was dissected and its anatomical characteristics such as distal origin, proximal origin, number of perforators, and largest perforator were measured. RESULTS: Of the 22 wrists dissected, only in 19 wrists we were able to recognize the perforators. Average number of perforators seen was 3.05 (range 1-5). Average distance of the largest perforator from the radial styloid was 11.79 mm (range 6-19 mm). The average distance of the distal origin of 1,2 ICSRA from the radial styloid was 6.71 mm distal to radial styloid. It ranged from 16 mm distal to styloid process to 6 mm proximal to the styloid process. The average distance of proximal origin of 1,2 ICSRA from the radial styloid was 40.52 mm proximal to the radial styloid (range 25-66 mm). The maximum density of perforators of 2.84 was noticed to be in the region of 6-18 mm from the distal articular margin. CONCLUSION: The distal origin of 1,2 ICSRA in our study was much more distal in comparison to the western population. The detailed anatomy of the 1,2 ICSRA presented in this study may guide in planning and dissection to maximize the vascularity of a pedicled bone graft based on this vessel for the management of scaphoid nonunions and other carpal pathologies.

Bilaterally Variant Accessory Fibularis Muscle: Its Phylogenetic, Molecular and Clinical Perspective.

Accessory fibularis muscle is prevalent in 2.9-21.8% of the world population. Incidentally during routine dissection of a 75-year-old male cadaver, bilaterally accessory fibularis muscle was observed. On both the sides, proximal site of attachment was same but muscle displayed different distal sites of insertion in the foot. Appearance of accessory muscle in the leg is indicative towards the ongoing phylogenetic evolution operating at the molecular level. Bio-mechanical advantage of this variant muscle is the additional support provided to the subtalar joint. Also it acts as synergist to fibularis longus and brevis during eversion of the foot. Clinically this muscle may predispose to chronic ankle pain, dislocation of peroneal tendons from retromalleolar groove and post fracture dislocation in foot. Wide range of accessory fibularis muscle has been previously reported with different nomenclature, however, existence of two different variants in same cadaver has been rarely reported. The current observation is significant for clinicians to acknowledge when evaluating and operating patients with foot disorders.

Abnormal Persistence of Embryonic Blood Supply of Liver: Anatomist's Delight, Surgeon's Nightmare.

The high incidence of hepato-biliary vascular anatomy variations necessitates its evaluation prior to performing liver transplantation, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, gastric and oesophageal surgeries. We report a unique case of persistence of embryonic arteries of the liver, wherein, the liver was supplied by five vessels. In addition to the usual right and left hepatic arteries from the hepatic artery proper, the liver received two accessory right hepatic arteries, one from the gastroduodenal artery, while another arising from superior mesenteric artery and an accessory left hepatic artery, from the left gastric artery. The origin of gastroduodenal artery was found to be unusually high and its abnormal anterior course over the common bile duct further added complexity to the hepatobiliary anatomy. The presence of these aberrant and accessory arteries predisposes to inadvertent injury leading to patient morbidity and sometimes mortality.

Morphological and morphometrical maturation of ventral cochlear nucleus in human foetus.

Auditory impulses perceived by the hair cells of the organ of corti are relayed in the cochlear nucleus, the first relay station in the brainstem, by the cochlear nerve. The human foetus is well known to respond to sound during the last trimester of gestation. On the contrary, studies conducted in rat, cat and mouse have shown that these mammals have an immature auditory system at the time of birth. There are very few reports available regarding the morphological and functional maturation of the cochlear nucleus in human. Although the human cochlear nucleus neurons attain adult morphological characters by mid-gestation, there are hardly any studies discussing the functional maturation of the cochlear nucleus. Hence the present study was aimed at observing the morphological as well as functional maturation of the human foetal cochlear nuclei at various gestational ages. Morphological maturation was observed qualitatively while stereological estimation of the volume of well defined ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) was calculated by the Cavalieri principle; neuronal count and density was estimated by dissector principle. The functional maturation was assessed by observing the expression of synaptophysin, a synaptic marker, at different gestational ages and by the presence of parvalbumin, a calcium binding functional neuronal marker by immunohistochemistry. Neurons showed coarse Nissl's substance and well developed cell processes and gradual increase in cell size by the 24th-30th gestational week. Synaptophysin labeling in the complete cochlear nucleus was observed at 20 weeks of gestation. Adult pattern of synaptophysin labeling was observed finally at37weeks of gestation. Earliest presence of parvalbumin expression was detected at 16 weeks of gestation and a distinct adult pattern was seen at 37 weeks of gestation. This study concluded that morphological and functional maturation of the human cochlear nuclei occurs simultaneously during mid-gestation which represents the critical period of development and continues up to term.

A Unique Conglomeration of Variations in the Celiac, Hepatic, and Superior Mesenteric Artery: A Clinico-Embryological Perspective.

This paper highlights a rare variation in the branching pattern of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric arteries, as observed during cadaveric dissection. It was found that the celiac trunk gave origin to the following: (1) left inferior phrenic artery, (2) hepatogastric trunk which gave three branches: the left gastric artery, esophageal branch, and a left hepatic artery, (3) splenic artery, and (4) common hepatic artery. The superior mesenteric artery gave origin to the right hepatic artery, and the common hepatic artery gave origin to a middle hepatic artery. Such rare variations must be brought to the notice of surgeons and radiologists to prevent any undue complications during any interventional procedures and surgeries.

Histogenesis of Muscularis Mucosa and Muscularis Externa of Stomach: A Human Foetal Study.

INTRODUCTION: The histological and developmental knowledge of musculature of stomach wall is vital for the assessment and management of various associated congenital abnormalities like hypertrophy of pyloric musculature and pathologies of nerve terminals and ganglia. AIM: To study the development of muscularis mucosa and muscularis externa in human foetal stomach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 22 aborted human foetuses of varying gestational ages ranging from 10-26 weeks. The foetuses were procured after obtaining Institutional Ethical Clearance and informed consent of parents of the aborted foetuses. Stomach was dissected and immersed fixed in 10% formalin and then sectioned and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin and Masson's Trichrome. RESULTS: The muscularis mucosa appeared as a thin layer of smooth muscle strands at 14 weeks of gestation and later developed as a continuous and well developed layer by 22 weeks. Muscularis externa was composed of only two layers in early gestational ages from 10-15 weeks with predominant circular and discrete outer longitudinal muscle coat. The innermost layer of oblique muscle developed later at 16 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION: The gastric muscularis mucosa and muscularis externa developed and differentiated sequentially in the human foetuses. The musculature in pyloric region of stomach was more developed and thick than the body and fundus of stomach in all foetuses at all gestational ages.

Development of Parafollicular Cells and their Relationship with Developing Thyroid Follicles in Human Foetuses.

INTRODUCTION: The parafollicular cells or clear (C) cells in man are part of neuroendocrine system under Amine Precursor Uptake and Decarboxylation (APUD) cells. Their role in adults has been reputable but in foetus is still unclear. AIM: The present study was a baseline study endeavouring to describe the chronological development of the parafollicular cells with particular focus on its correlation with developing human thyroid follicles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 10 aborted foetuses (14-28 weeks), procured from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India. Serial sections of foetal thyroid gland were generated, stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and immunohistochemistry using the anticalcitonin antibody and examined qualitatively. RESULTS: In our study, the parafollicular cells were seen as earlier as by 14th week. They became morphologically and functionally mature by 16th week of gestation. The parafollicular cells were getting organized from scattering to parafollicular location then to a more localized area, i.e., intrafollicular along with the follicular development. As the follicles were enlarging, the intrafollicularly located parafollicular cells which was initially present in groups was getting displaced singly between the follicular cells in the same follicle. CONCLUSION: The sequential development pattern of the parafollicular cells in relation to developing thyroid follicles was established. This immunohistochemical study also concluded that the parafollicular cells might have higher character to play in the early gestational age such as regulation of ossification in the human foetus.

Morphometrical Analysis of Developing Cochlear Ganglion Neurons: A Light Microscopic Fetal Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The cochlear or spiral ganglion neurons are the initial bridge between the external world of sound and its discernment in the brain. As the developing human fetal cochlea is known to start functioning in mid gestational period, its anatomical details when compared with adults could vary with each gestational age. The aim of current study was to assess morphometrical parameter of developing human fetal cochlear ganglion neurons and comparison of data in each gestational period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten aborted human fetuses from 14th to 28th weeks of gestation were procured from Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of associated hospital, after obtaining ethical clearance and were processed for studying under light microscope. Area of neurons from each gestational age was measured on histophotomicrographs using image Proplus software. Standard statistical method was used to calculate area range and percentage of small and large ganglion neurons. RESULTS: The neuronal area increased progressively in successively higher gestation age fetuses. In the fetus belonging to lowest gestational age the area ranged from 4-37µm2 while in highest gestational age fetus its range was 10-58.3µm2. The small ganglion neurons were higher in 14 weeks (65.5%) fetuses and 16-20 weeks (81.03%) fetuses, while in higher gestational age fetuses' large ganglion neuronal population was higher (62-66%). CONCLUSION: A baseline morphometrical representation of fetal cochlear ganglion neurons could be of relevance in advanced human experimental studies on effect of neurotrophic factors in human fetuses with congenital deafness. It has been found that these factors directly influence neuronal maturation assessed by progressive increase in soma size and survival.

Vascular pattern of chorionic blood vessels of placenta and its correlation with the birth weight of neonate / Patrón vascular de los vasos sanguíneos coriónicos de la placenta y su correlación con el peso al nacer del recién nacido

Two hundred fresh full term placentae of normal pregnancies were collected from the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, RIMS, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India to observe the incidence of vascular pattern of chorionic blood vessels of placenta and to note the relationship between vascular pattern of placenta and the birth weight of neonate. Dye was injected into umbilical vessels under normal physiological pressure and diameter of chorionic blood vessels were taken at the centre and periphery. Two types of vascular pattern of chorionic blood vessels of placentae were observed- Dispersal and Magistral. Dispersal pattern was found in 63 percent cases and magistral pattern was observed in 37 percent cases. An interesting observation was noted that the birth weight of neonate was higher in magistral pattern in comparison to dispersal pattern in both sexes...

Doscientas placentas de término de gravidez normales frescas fueron recogidas del departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, RIMS, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. Se observó la incidencia del patrón vascular de los vasos sanguíneos coriónicos de la placenta y la relación entre el patrón vascular de ésta y el peso al nacer del recién nacido. Se inyectó tinta dentro de los vasos umbilicales bajo presión fisiológica normal, y se tomaron los diámetros de los vasos sanguíneos coriónicos en el centro y la periferia. Dos tipos de patrón vascular coriónicos se observaron en la placenta, disperso y magistral. El patrón disperso se encontró en el 63 por ciento de los casos y el patrón magistral se observó en 37 por ciento de los casos. Una observación interesante mostró que el peso al nacer de los recién nacidos fue mayor en el patrón magistral en comparación con el patrón disperso en ambos sexos...

Cellular changes in the placenta in pregnancies complicated with diabetes / Cambios celulares en la placenta en embarazos complicados con diabetes

Placenta is the most accurate record of the infant prenatal experience. After delivery if the placenta is examined minutely, it provides much insight into the prenatal health of the baby and the mother. In diabetic pregnancy, placental weight is higher in comparison to normal pregnancy. To study the cellular differences that might contribute to larger size of placenta, light microscopic analysis was performed on 25 full term placentas, out of which 20 were of Gestational diabetes mellitus (12 controlled on diet, 8 controlled on insulin) and 5 control group. Tissue sections were processed and analyzed. Birth weight of neonate, placental weight, vascular pattern of chorionic blood vessels and site of attachment of umbilical cord were recorded. In the placenta of diabetic pregnants, gross abnormalities were uncommon but microscopic examination exhibited, to a varying degree, lesions like syncytial knots, fibrinoid necrosis, villous edema, villous fibrosis and capillary proliferation. These findings indicate that control of hyperglycemia only partially prevents the development of placental abnormalities which must be due to some other constituent factor of diabetic state.

La placenta es el registro más preciso de la experiencia prenatal infantil. Después del parto, si la placenta se examina minuciosamente, esta proporciona una visión de la salud prenatal del bebé y la madre. En el embarazo con diabetes, el peso de la placenta es mayor en comparación con el embarazo normal. Para estudiar las diferencias celulares que podrían contribuir al mayor tamaño de la placenta, se realizó el análisis en microscópico de luz en 25 placentas de término, de las cuales 20 fueron diabetes mellitus gestacional (12 controladas por dieta, 8 controlodas por insulina) y 5 del grupo control. Los cortes fueron procesados y analizados. El peso al nacer de los recién nacidos, el peso de la placenta, el patrón vascular de los vasos sanguíneos coriónicos y el lugar de inserción del cordón umbilical fueron registrados. En la placenta de las embarazadas con diabetes, alteraciones graves fueron poco frecuentes, pero el exámen microscópico mostró, en grado variable, lesiones como nudos sincisiales, necrosis fibrinoide, edema de las vellosidades, vellosidades fibrosas y proliferación capilar. Estos resultados indican que el control de la hiperglucemia sólo en parte impide el desarrollo de anormalidades de la placenta las cuales deben producirce por algún otro factor constituyente del estado diabético.