Hemolymph Node - An Immunomorphlogical Organ: Modeling the Hemolymph Node by Allografting Renal Tissue in the Rat.

There is no authoritative characterization of the attributes of the hemolymph node (HLN) since Gibbes' first description in 1884. Early reports showed that HLN are found near the kidney in human and animals with the feature of numerous erythrocytes in sinuses. Subsequent studies mainly focused on anatomy and histology, such as the source, distribution, and quantity of erythrocytes in sinuses. Recent articles mentioned that the emergence of HLN was related to immunity, but there was no strong evidence to support this hypothesis. Therefore, it is still uncertain whether the HLN is an organ of anatomy, histology, or immunology. It has been found that the development of HLN could be elicited in the parathymic area by stimuli such as Escherichia coli, allogeneic breast cancer cells, and renal tissue that were injected/transplanted into the tail of rats in our pilot studies. In this study, the model of the HLN was established by transferring allogeneic renal tissue in the rat. Intrasinusoidal erythrocytes of the node were the component for producing a red macroscopic appearance, while macrophage-erythrocyte-lymphocyte rosettes were the major immunomorphological changes, reflecting the immune activity against the invasion of the allogeneic tissue within the node. Therefore, the HLN is an immunomorphological organ.

Superior Gait Symmetry and Postural Stability among Yoga Instructors-Inertial Measurement Unit-Based Evaluation.

This study investigates gait symmetry and single-leg stance balance of professional yoga instructors versus age-matched typically developed controls using inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based evaluation. We recruited twenty-five yoga instructors and twenty-five healthy control subjects to conduct the walking experiments and single-leg stance tests. Kinematic data were measured by attaching IMUs to the lower limbs and trunk. We assessed the asymmetry of swing phases during the normal-walk and tandem-walk tests with eyes open and closed, respectively. The subjects subsequently conducted four single-leg stance tests, including a single-leg stance on both legs with eyes open and closed. Two balance indexes regarding the angular velocities of the waist and chest were defined to assess postural stability. The gait asymmetry indexes of yoga instructors were significantly lower than those of the typically developed controls. Similarly, the yoga instructors had better body balance in all four single-leg stance tests. This study's findings suggest that yoga improves gait asymmetry and balance ability in healthy adults. In the future, further intervention studies could be conducted to confirm the effect of yoga training.

Deep lymphatic anatomy of the upper limb: An anatomical study and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: The deep and perforating lymphatic anatomy of the upper limb still remains the least described in medical literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six upper limbs with the axillary tissue were harvested from three unembalmed human cadavers amputated at the shoulder joint. A small amount of 6% hydrogen peroxide was employed to detect the lymphatic vessels around the deep palmar arch, radial and ulnar neurovascular bundles. A 30-gauge needle was inserted into the vessels and they were injected with a barium sulphate compound. Each specimen was dissected, photographed and radiographed to demonstrate deep lymphatic distribution of the upper limb. RESULTS: Continuing from the deep lymph vessels of the hand, single or multiple deep collecting lymph vessels have been found along the radial, ulnar, anterior and posterior interosseous neurovascular bundles in the forearm, brachial and deep branchial neurovascular bundles in the upper arm. During their courses, lymph nodes were found setting in the trunk of the radial, ulnar and brachial lymph vessels near or in the cubital fossa, and in the axillar. Perforating lymph vessels have been found near the wrist and in the cubital fossa, which linked the superficial and deep lymph vessels. The direction of lymphatic drainage was from the deep to superficial or superficial to deep vessels. CONCLUSION: The deep lymphatic anatomy of the upper limb has been described. The results will provide an anatomical basis for clinical management, educational reference and scientific research.

The deep lymphatic anatomy of the hand.

BACKGROUND: The deep lymphatic anatomy of the hand still remains the least described in medical literature. METHODS: Eight hands were harvested from four nonembalmed human cadavers amputated above the wrist. A small amount of 6% hydrogen peroxide was employed to detect the lymphatic vessels around the superficial and deep palmar vascular arches, in webs from the index to little fingers, the thenar and hypothenar areas. A 30-gauge needle was inserted into the vessels and injected with a barium sulphate compound. Each specimen was dissected, photographed and radiographed to demonstrate deep lymphatic distribution of the hand. RESULTS: Five groups of deep collecting lymph vessels were found in the hand: superficial palmar arch lymph vessel (SPALV); deep palmar arch lymph vessel (DPALV); thenar lymph vessel (TLV); hypothenar lymph vessel (HTLV); deep finger web lymph vessel (DFWLV). Each group of vessels drained in different directions first, then all turned and ran towards the wrist in different layers. CONCLUSION: The deep lymphatic drainage of the hand has been presented. The results will provide an anatomical basis for clinical management, educational reference and scientific research.

Perforating and deep lymphatic vessels in the knee region: an anatomical study and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: To determine the relationship between the perforating and deep lymphatic vessels in the knee region for clinical implications. METHODS: Four lower limbs from two unembalmed human cadavers were used. Under a surgical microscope, 6% hydrogen peroxide was employed to detect lymph vessels accompanying the small saphenous vein, anterior tibial, posterior tibial and fibular blood vessels all commencing from distal ends of specimens. Each lymphatic vessel was inserted by a 30-gauge needle and injected with a barium sulphate mixture. Each specimen was dissected, radiographed and photographed to determine the perforating and deep lymphatic vessels in the region. RESULTS: A perforating lymph vessel was observed in the popliteal fossa of each specimen. It arose from the superficial popliteal lymph node and terminated in the deep popliteal lymph node. The anterior tibial, posterior tibial and peroneal lymph vessels were discovered in the region travelling with the corresponding vascular bundles. After penetrating the vascular aperture of the interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula, the anterior tibial lymph vessel entered directly into the deep popliteal lymph node or converged to either the posterior tibial or fibular lymph vessel, before entering the node. The posterior tibial and peroneal lymph vessels entered the deep popliteal lymph node. The efferent lymph vessel of the deep popliteal lymph node travelled with the femoral vascular bundle. CONCLUSION: The perforating and deep lymphatic vessels in the knee region has been presented and discussed. The information advances our anatomical knowledge and the results will benefit clinical management.

Radiologic Manifestations of Senile Lymph Nodes in the Popliteal Fossa.

PURPOSE: To determine the radiologic manifestations of senile lymph nodes in the popliteal fossa for radiologic and clinical application. METHODS: A total of six lower extremities from four unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Under a surgical microscope, 6% hydrogen peroxide was used to detect the lymphatic vessels commencing from the foot and leg. A 30-gauge needle was inserted into the vessels and injected with a radio-opaque lead oxide mixture. The specimens were radiographed and photographed to demonstrate the lymph nodes in the popliteal fossa. The final results were transferred to the computer for image analysis. RESULTS: An average of two lymph nodes (range 1 to 3) were found in the popliteal fossa of the lower extremity. They were divided into superficial and deep popliteal groups. The superficial group was located in the superficial layer of the popliteal fossa around the small saphenous vein (SSV). The deep group was close to the popliteal surface of the femur and always located next to the popliteal vein. All lymph nodes were transparent in appearance and contained coiled lymphatic tubules. The size and density of the tubules varied. CONCLUSION: The radiologic manifestations of senile lymph nodes in the popliteal fossa have been presented and discussed to upgrade our radiologic and anatomical knowledge. This will be of benefit for radiologic and clinical applications.

A Method for Making a Lymphatic Specimen of the Dorsum of the Hand.

PURPOSE: To make a lymphatic specimen of the dorsum of the hand for educational and clinical purposes. METHODS: A total of four hands from two unembalmed human cadavers were used. Under a surgical microscope, 6% hydrogen peroxide was employed to detect the lymphatic vessels commencing from fingers. A 30-gauge needle was inserted into vessels and injected with a barium sulphate mixture. Each specimen was radiographed, photographed, and dissected to demonstrate the lymphatic vessels on the dorsum of the hand. After being embalmed in 4% formalin for 3 months, specimen was then sealed in a plexiglass container for display. RESULTS: An average of sixteen lymph collecting vessels were found in the subcutaneous tissue of the dorsum of the hand. The diameter of the vessels varied from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. Vessels were the continuation of lymph vessels arising from fingers. They travelled meanderingly in the subcutaneous tissue and traversed over or under the veins when they met. CONCLUSION: Actual and accurate lymphatic distributions of the dorsum of the hand have been described and displayed. The information upgrades our anatomical knowledge and the results will be of benefit for the lymphatic education and clinical application.

Divergent lymphatic drainage routes from the heel to the inguinal region: anatomic study and clinical implications.

PURPOSE: To determine routes of lymphatic drainage from the heel to the inguinal lymph nodes to assist in the clinical management of lower limb lymphatic disorders. METHODS: Six lower limbs from three unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Under a surgical microscope, 6% hydrogen peroxide was used to detect lymphatic vessels on the medial and lateral sides of the heel. The lymphatic vessel on either side was then injected with a radio-opaque mixture. The lymphatic vessels were traced, photographed, and radiographed to demonstrate the lymphatic pathways from the heel to the inguinal lymph nodes. The final results were transferred to computer for digital image analysis. RESULTS: Two groups of lymph collecting vessels were identified. The medial group, arising from the skin between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon, coursed along the medial side of the leg and thigh to the inguinal lymph nodes. The lateral group, arising from the skin between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon, coursed along the postero-lateral side of the leg to the popliteal fossa. Alternative routes were then identified from the popliteal fossa to the inguinal lymph nodes. The number, size, type, and distribution of lymph vessels and nodes were variable from person to person. CONCLUSION: Two different lymphatic routes from the heel to the inguinal lymph nodes have been described. This information upgrades current anatomical knowledge and the results will be of benefit for the clinical management of lower limb trauma and malignancy.

Superficial lymphatic drainage of the lower extremity: anatomical study and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the lymphatic anatomy in the lower extremity is inadequate. A reevaluation is needed to assist in guiding clinical management. METHODS: A total of five lower extremities from three unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Under a surgical microscope, 6% hydrogen peroxide was used to detect the lymphatic vessels commencing from the foot, the leg, and the thigh. A 30-gauge needle was inserted into the vessels and injected with a radiopaque lead oxide mixture. The vessels were traced, photographed, and radiographed to demonstrate the superficial lymphatic pathways of the lower extremity. The final results were transferred to the computer for image analysis. RESULTS: Numerous lymph collecting vessels were identified in the subcutaneous tissue and the superficial femoral vascular bundle of the lower extremity. They originated beneath the dermis of each side of the toes, the foot, and the lateral side of the thigh. The diameters of the vessels varied from 0.2 to 2.2 mm. The vessels traveled in the subcutaneous tissue of the lower limb toward the popliteal, femoral, superficial, and deep inguinal lymph nodes. During their tortuous course, some vessels branched, diverged, and converged; sometimes, they anastomosed with neighboring vessels or crossed them. Most vessels converged to form larger collectors and then diverged into small branches before entering the lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate lymphatic distribution within the lower extremity has been described. This information upgrades our anatomical knowledge, and the results will be of benefit for clinical management.

Arterial supply of the tendinous rotator cuff insertions: an anatomical study.

BACKGROUND: Confirming the presence of arteries crossing the osteotendinous junctions (OTJs) of the rotator cuff may explain why rates of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head vary between three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures. It is hypothesized that the humeral head remains better vascularized in three-part fractures because one tuberosity with its inserting rotator cuff tendons is still attached to the articular fragment and supplying it with blood. METHODS: Eighty rotator cuff tendons from 20 shoulder girdles of cadavers aged 68-94 years were studied. In six shoulder girdles, the anterior circumflex humeral artery and posterior circumflex humeral artery (PCHA) were injected with ink, and the extra- and intraosseous courses of the vasculature were dissected until the OTJs of the rotator cuff. RESULTS: The rotator cuff insertions received an arterial supply across their OTJs in 50% of cases (75% in supraspinatus, 67% in subscapularis, 33% in infraspinatus and 20% in teres minor). Supraspinatus and subscapularis insertions were vascularized by the arcuate artery, while the insertions of infraspinatus and teres minor were supplied by an unnamed terminal branch of the PCHA. This was named 'posterolateral artery'. CONCLUSION: The presence of arteries crossing the OTJs of the rotator cuff, as well as the differences in the frequency arteries crossed the OTJs of individual rotator cuff tendons, may help explain why there is a lower rate of AVN of the humeral head in thee-part, compared with four-part proximal humeral fractures.

New approach to the study of intraosseous vasculature.

BACKGROUND: The study of intraosseous vasculature has always been challenging due to the hard, calcified structure of bone. Techniques used to study intraosseous vasculature usually involve diaphanization with a Spalteholz technique, followed by X-ray imaging to display the radio contrast-injected blood vessels. These techniques produce results with fine detail when successfully executed. However, high failure rates and the extensive length of time required to perform these techniques are drawbacks. This paper describes a faster, alternative method for the study of intraosseous vasculature. METHOD: Five embalmed and two fresh shoulder girdles were harvested from six cadavers. Cannulas were inserted into the origins of the anterior (ACHA) and posterior (PCHA) circumflex humeral arteries and injected with ink diluted in water or 6% hydrogen peroxide. The arteries and their branches were dissected until they entered their respective bony foraminae. A hammer, chisel, bone nibbler and mounted needles were used to follow the intraosseous course of these arteries and their branches. RESULTS: The intraosseous vasculature was seen in all specimens. The branches of the main nutrient artery to the proximal humerus were followed until they reached articular cartilage or crossed cortical bone again to enter the rotator cuff tendons. DISCUSSION: An innovative, new approach to the study of intraosseous vasculature with direct visualization of the intraosseous arteries of the proximal humerus is described.

Preventing venous congestion of the nipple-areola complex: an anatomical guide to preserving essential venous drainage networks.

BACKGROUND: Venous congestion leading to partial or total nipple necrosis is a relatively uncommon complication of breast reduction and mastopexy procedures but still occurs, particularly in larger reduction procedures. This is largely preventable if the surgeon has an understanding of the venous drainage to the nipple and carefully preserves it. METHODS: An anatomical study was undertaken on 16 fresh female cadaveric breast specimens. The venous drainage of the breast was explored through vascular injection, radiographic, and cross-sectional studies. RESULTS: The venous drainage of the breast consists of an extensive network of vessels. The nipple-areola complex is drained by a superficial subareolar ring of veins that drains by means of medial and lateral veins. Laterally, superolateral and inferolateral veins drain into the subclavian veins, whereas medially, two veins drain into the internal mammary veins. An inferior vein drains the inferior quadrant of the breast in the midmammary line. Medially, the veins have a superficial course, whereas laterally, the veins follow a deeper course. CONCLUSIONS: The breast contains an extensive venous network. To avoid necrosis of the nipple-areola complex, this venous network should be preserved. The superomedial/medial and inferior pedicles contain the most extensive and more reliable venous drainage patterns.

Variations in the lymphatic drainage pattern of the head and neck: further anatomic studies and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing clinical need for accurate evaluation of the lymphatic anatomy of the head and neck. METHODS: Fourteen halves of the superficial tissues of the head and neck and six specimens of the anterior superficial neck tissue from 13 unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Six percent hydrogen peroxide was used to detect the lymphatic vessels by using a surgical microscope. These vessels were then injected with a radio-opaque lead oxide mixture. Each specimen was dissected, photographed, and radiographed to demonstrate lymphatic vessels in the tissue. The final results were then transferred to the computer for analysis. RESULTS: Lymph-collecting vessels were found in three regions of the superficial tissue of the head and neck: the scalp, face, and cervical region. They were dense in the scalp and lateral neck area but sparse in the facial, anterior, and posterior neck. Most vessels in the lateral neck were internodal lymphatics. Two layers of lymphatic vessels were found in the anterior superficial neck tissue coursing in different directions. CONCLUSIONS: An actual and accurate lymphatic map of the head and neck lymphatic drainage patterns is presented to upgrade our anatomical knowledge. This map will be of benefit for the clinical management of trauma and malignancies in this region.

Lymphatic drainage of the external ear.

BACKGROUND: Lymphoscintigraphy reveals inconsistencies in our knowledge of the lymphatic anatomy of the external ear. METHODS: Fifteen external ears from 9 unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Six percent hydrogen peroxide was used to find the lymphatic vessels using a surgical microscope. They were injected with a radio-opaque mixture, dissected, photographed, and radiographed to demonstrate lymphatic vessels in the tissue. Final results were transferred to the computer for analysis. RESULTS: Four groups of lymph collecting vessels were found. The anterior branch, in all specimens, drained directly or indirectly (having merged with a vessel descending from the scalp) into the preauricular lymph nodes. The superior, middle, and inferior (lobule) branches drained to their multiple first tier lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: An accurate lymphatic map of the external ear is described to upgrade our anatomic knowledge. It will be of benefit for the clinical management of malignancies in this region.

Alternative lymphatic drainage routes from the lateral heel to the inguinal lymph nodes: anatomic study and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: The route of lymphatic drainage from the heel to the inguinal lymph nodes is required to be accurately evaluated for clinical needs. METHODS: Seven lower limbs from four unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Under a surgical microscope, 6% hydrogen peroxide was used to detect the lymphatic vessel on the lateral side of the heel. The vessel was then injected with a radio-opaque lead oxide mixture. The vessel was traced, photographed and radiographed to demonstrate the lymphatic pathways from the lateral heel to the inguinal lymph nodes. The final results were transferred to the computer for image analysis. RESULTS: The lymph collecting vessel arising from the skin of the fossa between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon ran along the posterolateral side of the leg, deep to the superficial fascia. From the popliteal fossa to the inguinal lymph nodes, three lymphatic routes were found: (i) via the superficial tissue of the medial side of the thigh; (ii) running with the superficial femoral blood vessels; (iii) running between the sciatic nerve and the profunda femoral vessels. The number and type of lymph nodes found in the popliteal fossa and femoral triangle were different from person to person. CONCLUSION: Actual and accurate lymphatic routes from the skin above the posterolateral heel to the inguinal lymph nodes have been described. This information upgrades our anatomical knowledge and the results will be of benefit for the clinical management of trauma and malignancies in the lower limb.

The arterial supply of the long head of biceps tendon: Anatomical study with implications for tendon rupture.

Zones of hypovascularity are thought to exist in several tendons of the shoulder, contributing to localized tendon weakness and subsequent rupture in clinical practice. Although these zones have been demonstrated in many frequently ruptured tendons, the existence of a similar area in the often ruptured long head of biceps (LHB) tendon is largely unknown. Twenty cadaveric upper limb specimens were dissected after injection with either a radio-opaque lead oxide/milk mixture or India ink, followed by histological sectioning of the tendons. The LHB tendon was consistently supplied via its osteotendinous and musculotendinous junctions by branches of the thoracoacromial and brachial arteries respectively. In two specimens, additional branches from the anterior circumflex humeral artery travelling in a mesotenon vascularized the midsection of tendon. These source arteries divided the LHB tendon into either two or three vascular territories, depending upon the presence of the mesotenon-derived vascular supply. A zone of hypovascularity was consistently found in the region of the LHB tendon most frequently prone to rupture. This zone covered an area 1.2-3 cm from the tendon origin, extending from midway through the glenohumeral joint to the proximal inter-tubercular groove. This hypovascular region occurred on the border of two adjacent vascular territories, where reduced caliber choke vessels provide limited arterial supply. While it is probable that the limited arterial supply contributes to the susceptibility of this area to rupture, similar to other tendons the true pathogenesis is likely to be a combination of both vascular and mechanical factors.

The morphology of the human lymphatic vessels in the head and neck.

Previously little has been written about the morphology of the human lymphatic vessels since Sappey (Sappey [1874] Anatomie, Physiologie, Pathologie des Vaisseaux Lymphatiques, Paris: Adrien Delahaye) over 100 years ago. There needs to be an accurate re-evaluation of scientific observations to aid clinical management. Forty-nine combinations of tissue from the head and neck of 20 unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Six percent hydrogen peroxide was used to find the vessels. They were injected with radio-opaque mixture, dissected, photographed, and radiographed. Final results were transferred to the computer for analysis. Different sized lymphatic valves were found in the precollecting and collecting lymph vessels, the lymphatic trunks, and ducts. The intervals between the valves were of various lengths. Diverse lymphatic ampullae and diverticula were seen in precollecting and collecting lymph vessels. Initial lymph vessels arose from the dermis, the galea, and the mucosal membrane. The vasculature of the direct and indirect precollecting and collecting lymph vessels, lymphatic trunks, and ducts was recorded. The morphology of the human lymphatic vessels in the head and neck has been described and recorded using radiographs and photographs.

Blood supply to the lymphatic vessels in the leg: an incidental finding.

There are no reports or images of the blood supply to the lymphatic vessels. One lower limb of an unembalmed human cadaver was studied. Hydrogen peroxide (6%) was applied to find the lymphatic vessels by using a surgical microscope. The vessels were injected with a radio-opaque mixture and dissected. During the dissection, several sites of paralymphatics arteriole nutrient (PAN) vessels were found in close proximity to collecting lymphatic vessels in the medial aspect of the leg. The caliber of the lymphatic vessels was about 1 mm. The caliber of PAN vessels was <0.1 mm. The blood vessels were seen running along the lymphatic vessels. Some of them crossing the lymphatics and supplying the fatty tissue nearby and some running parallel on the lymph vessel walls. Histology sections show different-sized PAN vessels containing blood cells situated close to the lymphatic wall and within the lymphatic vessel wall. PAN vessels have been found and described. It will upgrade our anatomical knowledge and also be of benefit for medical and/or scientific research.

The pudendal thigh flap for vaginal reconstruction: optimising flap survival.

BACKGROUND: The pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous (PTF) flap is a useful flap in perineal reconstruction, that is reliable when small but is traditionally unreliable when large flaps are raised. Large flaps in particular, are associated with an increased incidence of apical necrosis. Thorough descriptions of the vascular anatomy of this flap have been lacking from the literature, with the current study evaluating this anatomy, aiming to provide the anatomical basis for vascular problems and for techniques to maximise its survival. METHODS: Five unembalmed human cadaveric pelvis specimens were studied. Lead oxide injectant enabled radiographic and dissection analysis of the arterial anatomy of the integument of the perineum. RESULTS: A consistent pattern of vascular supply was found in all specimens. 1: the blood supply to the pelvic floor was supplied sequentially by the posterior labial/scrotal arteries, cutaneous branches from the anterior branch of the obturator artery, and branches from the external pudendal arteries. 2: these vessels ran close to the midline, medial to the PTF flap. 3: the posterior labial/scrotal arteries were deep to the Colles' fascia and the branches from the obturator artery and external pudendal arteries were located superficial to the Colles' fascia. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that the PTF flap is a three vascular territory flap and that the pedicle is situated close to the midline. This may explain why regions of the PTF flap may have a potentially precarious blood supply, and suggests that the PTF flap should be designed more medially. Given the third territory of supply to the apex of the flap, a delay procedure may help to avoid flap necrosis.