JournalTOCs

Anatomia
Number of Followers: 16

This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Online) 2813-0545
Published by MDPI

[258 journals]

Anatomia, Vol. 3, Pages 136-154: Clinical Anatomy of the Lower Extremity
Veins—Topography, Embryology, Anatomical Variability, and
Undergraduate Educational Challenges
- Authors: Marian Simka, Joanna Czaja, Agata Kawalec
  First page: 136
  Abstract: Veins of the lower extremity can be categorized into three hierarchically ordered groups: the epifascial, the interfascial, and the deep ones. In the past, the interfascial veins, e.g., the great saphenous vein, were categorized as superficial veins. But nowadays, experts recommend regarding these veins as a separate group because of their unique topography and clinical relevance. In order to better understand the venous anatomy of the lower limbs, which is highly variable, one should also comprehend their embryological development. Venous embryogenesis in the lower limb consists of three stages. During the first stage the primitive fibular vein is the main vein of the extremity. During the second stage it is replaced by the axial vein and finally by the femoral vein. In some adult individuals this embryonic or fetal venous anatomy is still present. Unfortunately, current anatomical textbooks and atlases, as well as traditional cadaver dissections, are not very useful regarding these issues. Therefore, undergraduate teaching of anatomy can be challenging. New educational tools, such as ultrasonography, seem indispensable to teach the anatomy of these veins properly.
  Citation: Anatomia
  PubDate: 2024-07-05
  DOI: 10.3390/anatomia3030011
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 3 (2024)
Anatomia, Vol. 3, Pages 155-162: Effects of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
(CAH) and Biological Sex on Brain Size
- Authors: Eileen Luders, Christian Gaser, Debra Spencer, Ajay Thankamony, Ieuan Hughes, Umasuthan Srirangalingam, Helena Gleeson, Melissa Hines, Florian Kurth
  First page: 155
  Abstract: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) has been reported to involve structural alterations in some brain regions. However, it remains to be established whether there is also an impact on the size of the brain as a whole. Here, we compiled the largest CAH sample to date (n = 53), matched pair-wise to a control group (n = 53) on sex, age, and verbal intelligence. Using T1-weighted brain scans, we calculated intracranial volume (ICV) as well as total brain volume (TBV), which are both common estimates for brain size. The statistical analysis was performed using a general linear model assessing the effects of CAH (CAH vs. controls), sex (women vs. men), and any CAH-by-sex interaction. The outcomes were comparable for ICV and TBV, i.e., there was no significant main effect of CAH and no significant CAH-by-sex interaction. However, there was a significant main effect of sex, with larger ICVs and TBVs in men than in women. Our findings contribute to an understudied field of research exploring brain anatomy in CAH. In contrast to some existing studies suggesting a smaller brain size in CAH, we did not observe such an effect. In other words, ICV and TBV in women and men with CAH did not differ significantly from those in controls. Notwithstanding, we observed the well-known sex difference in brain size (12.69% for ICV and 12.50% for TBV), with larger volumes in men than in women, which is in agreement with the existing literature.
  Citation: Anatomia
  PubDate: 2024-07-18
  DOI: 10.3390/anatomia3030012
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 3 (2024)
Anatomia, Vol. 3, Pages 57-67: Detection of the Lassa Virus in a Group of
Odontogenic Bone Tumor Tissues
- Authors: Marco de Feo, Frédéric Dilu Tamba, Anguy Makaka Mutondo, Gracia Kashitu Mujinga, Opiyo Stephen Odong, Chiara Castellani, Luca Pavesi, Patrick I. Mpingabo, Steve Ahuka-Mundeke, Silvia Di Agostino
  First page: 57
  Abstract: Odontogenic bone tumor (OT) is a rare pathology in the world, but it is very common in developing countries; its etiology is still unknown, and it causes serious deformities of the mandible and maxilla if it is not operated upon soon. Lassa virus (LASV) belongs to the Arenaviridae family, and its reservoir is a rodent of the genus Mastomys. The transmission of the LASV to humans can occur through ingestion or inhalation by contact with dirty objects, the consumption of contaminated food, or exposure to wounds, as rodents shed the virus in their urine and excrement. In this observational study, we aim to evaluate the presence of LASV in OT patient tissues collected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For this purpose, a group of nine patients affected by OT were enrolled, and the tissues derived from the surgery were collected. In total, 81.5% of the tissues were positive for LASV presence. Interestingly, we found that not only was the tumor LASV-positive, but in some cases, the bone was close to the tumor and the oral mucosa lining. These preliminary data could suggest the hypothesis that LASV may be involved with the onset of OT.
  Citation: Anatomia
  PubDate: 2024-03-26
  DOI: 10.3390/anatomia3020006
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 2 (2024)
Anatomia, Vol. 3, Pages 68-92: Cytoarchitectonic Analysis and 3D Maps of
the Mesial Piriform Region in the Human Brain
- Authors: Olga Kedo, Sebastian Bludau, Christian Schiffer, Hartmut Mohlberg, Timo Dickscheid, Katrin Amunts
  First page: 68
  Abstract: The mesial piriform region plays a central role in olfaction. Its small size and complex geometry, however, make it a difficult target in functional neuroimaging studies, while histological maps often represent schematic drawings, which are not compatible with requirements for modern imaging. To bridge this gap, cytoarchitectonic analysis and mapping of the region was performed in serial histological sections over their full extent in 10 postmortem brains. The temporobasal areas PirTBd and PirTBv and temporal areas PirTu and PirTit were identified and analyzed. Probabilistic cytoarchitectonic maps of the piriform areas in MNI reference space and high-resolution maps of the amygdala-piriform region on the BigBrain model were calculated as part of the Julich-Brain. Differences in the cytoarchitectonic “texture” of the region were quantified based on the Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix. Results showed that allocortical areas were not consistently associated with the rostral Limen insulae, although it was often suggested as a landmark in neuroimaging protocols. PirTu was associated with the uncal tip. PirTit was the largest area, reaching to the temporal pole, with a “temporal” (caudal) and a “temporopolar” (rostral) part having complex neighborhood relationships. The probabilistic maps reflect interindividual variability; they are openly available via the digital EBRAINS platform to serve as an anatomical reference for studies related to olfaction.
  Citation: Anatomia
  PubDate: 2024-04-07
  DOI: 10.3390/anatomia3020007
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 2 (2024)
Anatomia, Vol. 3, Pages 93-109: Morphological and Immunohistochemical
Characterization of Bone Structure and Cell–Cell Communication in a
Rat Osteoporosis Model
- Authors: Kristina Glenske, Asmaa Eldaey, Stephanie Schaalo, Stefan Arnhold, Christian Heiss, Reiner Schnettler, Sabine Wenisch, Mohamed I. Elashry
  First page: 93
  Abstract: Bone remodeling is essential for maintaining bone health. The imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption leads to bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Connexin43 (Cx43) is a gap junction molecule that plays an important role in bone homeostasis. The present study investigates the morphological characteristics of bone trabeculae and the distribution of Cx43 in bone cells using osteoporotic rat models to explore the relationship between osteoporosis and bone remodeling. Female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham, ovarectomy with food deprivation (OVX+diet), and ovarectomy with steroid administration (OVX+steroid) for 3 and 12 months to induce osteoporosis. The lumbar vertebrae were processed for histomorphometric and immunohistochemical evaluation of the trabeculae and the distribution of Cx43 in bone cells. The data showed a significant reduction in trabecular bone in both osteoporotic groups. After 12 months, the OVX+diet treatment resulted in reduced mineralization and an increase in unmineralized bone. The percentage of alkaline phosphatase-positive areas in the OVX+diet vertebrae was lower at 12 months compared to the sham group. A significant increase in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive osteoclasts was observed in the OVX+diet group. Both osteoporotic groups showed a decrease in Cx43-positive osteoblasts areas. An increase in the number of osteoclasts positive for Cx43 was detected in the OVX+diet group. The changes in Cx43 distribution in bone cells, together with trabecular mineralization, suggest that Cx43 may play a role in the progression of osteoporosis and could be a valuable target to improve bone remodeling.
  Citation: Anatomia
  PubDate: 2024-04-10
  DOI: 10.3390/anatomia3020008
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 2 (2024)
Anatomia, Vol. 3, Pages 110-123: Vertebral Bone Density Variations in
Scoliotic vs. Non-Scoliotic Juveniles, and Its Implications for
Schmorl’s Node Development: A CT-Based Analysis Using the New Mexico
Decedent Image Database
- Authors: Ellen Shakeshaft, Matteo Borrini, Constantine Eliopoulos
  First page: 110
  Abstract: Scoliosis, characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, is predominantly idiopathic, underscoring the need to delve into its underlying causes for effective treatment and preventive strategies. This study investigates a potential correlation between scoliosis and Schmorl’s nodes (intervertebral disc herniations) influenced by Wolff’s law, which posits that bones adapt to external pressures. We analyzed CT scans from 108 juvenile decedents, including 56 with scoliosis and 52 without. After running multiple statistical tests, there was no significance between the mean bone density when compared to having scoliosis. An independent t-test provided a t-value of 0.041, which, when compared to the original significance level of 0.05, is statistically significant, although weak. When compared to the Bonferroni correction level of 0.008, it throws out the significance to give a result of not being statistically significant. It was the same in the cases of L3 (t = 0.103), L2 (t = 0.084), and L1 (t = 0.053). If compared to the regular significance level of 0.05, T12 (t = 0.012) and T11 (t = 0.042) had weak significance, but that was then excluded when the Bonferroni correction was applied. When looking at any significance of densities in different vertebral regions, the results from a one-way ANOVA (p-value = 0.213) suggest that it is likely that the results are due to random variability or chance, and that there is no statistical significance. With a value of 0.273 from a Chi-squared (χ2)/Fisher’s exact test, it suggests that there is no statistically significant correlation or difference between the variables of scoliosis and Schmorl’s nodes. The general pattern seems to follow that as the spine ascends, the density increases, and this is true in both scoliotic and non-scoliotic individuals. As a whole, it is evident that those with scoliosis have a lower vertebral density than those without, in all of the vertebral regions. There is, however, a weak negative linear relationship between bone density and age in both scoliotic and non-scoliotic individuals. A p-value of −0.229 obtained from a Pearson correlation coefficient analysis in non-scoliotic individuals, as well as a p-value of −0.069 in scoliotic individuals, was obtained. Overall, the findings of this study are comparable to some existing studies on similar topics, but there are few results that hold statistical significance and so this would be interesting to research further, potentially using a different dataset or a larger sample size that is more representative.
  Citation: Anatomia
  PubDate: 2024-05-29
  DOI: 10.3390/anatomia3020009
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 2 (2024)
Anatomia, Vol. 3, Pages 124-135: The Complexity of the Pancreatic
Lymphatic System and the Key Role of Para-Aortic Lymph Node Metastasis in
Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis Prediction: A Comprehensive Review
- Authors: Fábio França Vieira e Silva, Andrea Ballini, Marina Di Domenico, María Elena Padín-Iruegas
  First page: 124
  Abstract: The pancreas is a vital organ nestled deep within the abdomen, playing a crucial role in both endocrine and exocrine functions. It is elongated and tadpole-shaped, with a head, body, and tail. The intricate connections to adjacent structures through a network of blood vessels, ducts, and supportive tissue transform pancreatic cancer into one of the most fatal malignancies globally as a result of a typically late diagnosis and metastatic form of the disease. Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is prevalent in the majority of individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, signifying a critical factor influencing prognostic outcomes. The para-aortic lymph nodes (PALN) play an important role in the lymphatic drainage of various organs, including the kidneys, pancreas, and parts of the gastrointestinal tract. In pancreatic cancer, the risk of PALN metastasis holds considerable clinical significance, and diagnosing your involvement is primordial to therapeutic decisions and to increase the survival expectations of these patients.
  Citation: Anatomia
  PubDate: 2024-06-03
  DOI: 10.3390/anatomia3020010
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 2 (2024)
Anatomia, Vol. 3, Pages 1-7: Conjoined Lumbosacral (L7-S1) Nerve Roots in
a Dog
- Authors: Esther Lichtenauer, Koen Santifort, Dorien Willems, Vicente Aige-Gil, Niklas Bergknut
  First page: 1
  Abstract: Vertebral and spinal cord anomalies are well known in veterinary medicine. However, nerve root anomalies are seldomly reported. In human patients, nerve root anomalies can cause back pain and radicular pain. In human medicine, nerve root anomalies are more often found in cadaveric studies than in imaging studies, representing the lack of advanced imaging in the past and the unawareness about these pathologies. Additionally, nerve root anomalies can mimic other pathologies in imaging studies. It is important to know about the anatomy of the individual patient not only for correctly localizing the pathology but also for surgical planning and to prevent iatrogenic trauma to the patient. Conjoined nerve roots are a type of nerve root anomaly described in human medicine and are defined as two nerve roots that either share a common dural envelope at some point during their course from the dural sac or that have their origin very close together in the dural sac. In humans, lumbosacral nerve roots are most commonly conjoined, and signs of pain may be associated with this anomaly. We report the magnetic resonance imaging finding of right-sided conjoined L7 and S1 nerve roots in a dog that presented with lumbosacral hyperesthesia. We postulate that it is possible that the conjoined nerve roots played a role in the clinical signs of this dog. This is an anomaly that has not been reported before in veterinary medicine.
  Citation: Anatomia
  PubDate: 2024-01-03
  DOI: 10.3390/anatomia3010001
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 1 (2024)
Anatomia, Vol. 3, Pages 8-15: An Independent C1 Nerve Root Variant of the
Ansa Cervicalis: A Case Report
- Authors: Eric Lassiter, Julia M Keating, Kristina Tarter, Kylie Saxton, Sanjana Yerubandi, Safa Habib, Brianna Bailey, Adel Maklad
  First page: 8
  Abstract: The ansa cervicalis (AC) is a neural loop within the carotid triangle of the anterior neck. The loop is traditionally formed by nerve roots C1–C3 of the cervical plexus and extends multiple motor branches. The current case was discovered during a routine dissection as an anatomical variation of the right AC in an 86-year-old Caucasian male cadaver. In this variation, the C1 nerve root did not form the typical loop with the C2 and C3 nerve roots, but instead, remained independent, traveling deep to the superior belly of the omohyoid muscle to supply the sternothyroid muscle. Because no loop was formed, the anatomy of the current case was not an ansa according to the Latin origin of the word, meaning handle or loop. The AC is an important anatomical landmark within the neck and is implicated in laryngeal reinnervation and respiratory nerve stimulation for patients with sleep apnea. The current anatomical variant contributes to a relatively limited catalog of identified anomalies. Knowledge of new AC variations can guide future surgical interventions and further develop the current base of knowledge surrounding the neuromuscular structures of the head and neck.
  Citation: Anatomia
  PubDate: 2024-01-31
  DOI: 10.3390/anatomia3010002
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 1 (2024)
Anatomia, Vol. 3, Pages 16-28: The Impact of Patient-Specific Positions on
the Relationship between Iliac Blood Vessels and Lumbar Intervertebral
Discs: Anatomical Significance and Clinical Implications
- Authors: Hakija Bečulić, Emir Begagić, Amina Džidić-Krivić, Ragib Pugonja, Belma Jaganjac, Melica Imamović-Bošnjak, Edin Selimović, Amila Čeliković, Rasim Skomorac, Alma Efendić, Fahrudin Alić, Anes Mašović, Selma Terzić-Salihbašić, Lejla Tandir-Lihić, Mirza Pojskić
  First page: 16
  Abstract: This study explores the anatomical relationship between iliac blood vessels and the lower lumbar spine during supine and prone patient positions. The average height of participants was 174.02 cm ± 9.01, while the average weight was 80.38 kg ± 13.48. Body mass index (BMI) analyses showed differences (p = 0.002), with 34.7% classified as normal weight, 53.1% as overweight, and 12.2% as moderately obese. The study examined the distances between iliac arteries and veins in relation to intervertebral anterior and posterior disc contours. Patient positioning significantly affected these measurements at both L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels. The findings highlight the critical influence of body position on anatomical relationships in the context of lower lumbar spine surgery. The study underscores the importance of preoperative awareness of vascular anatomy to prevent iatrogenic lesions during spine surgery, contributing valuable insights for optimizing surgical approaches and minimizing complications in spine surgery, particularly microdiscectomy.
  Citation: Anatomia
  PubDate: 2024-02-15
  DOI: 10.3390/anatomia3010003
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 1 (2024)
Anatomia, Vol. 3, Pages 29-49: The Source of Melanocytes in Ortho- and
Heterotopic Tail Regenerates of Axolotls and the Dependence of the
Regenerative Response on the Presence of Neural Tissue
- Authors: Günter Clemen, Uwe Kierdorf, Michael Hermes, Horst Kierdorf
  First page: 29
  Abstract: We studied the regeneration of orthotopic and heterotopic tails in larval axolotls. First, we analyzed tail regeneration following reciprocal exchange of cuffs of tail integument between dark-colored (wild-type) and yellow-colored (hybrid) larval animals. Second, we studied tail regeneration in larval axolotls following transplantation of cuffs of tail integument from metamorphosed dark-colored conspecifics and from an adult fire salamander. In all cases, the amputation planes involved the transplanted integumental cuffs. In the first experiment, the regenerated tails showed the color of the host animals, not that of the transplanted cuffs. This suggests that the melanocytes of the regenerated tails were derived from the host hypodermis. Following transplantation of metamorphosed skin from axolotls and a fire salamander onto larval axolotls, the metamorphosed epidermis reverted to a larval condition. This indicates that the state of differentiation of the metamorphosed epidermis was not permanent. Rather, in order to maintain the metamorphosed epidermal structure, a continuous exposure of the animals to sufficient levels of thyroid hormones was required. Transplantation of tail buds from yellow-colored onto dark-colored axolotl embryos caused the formation of yellow-colored tails both in the head and the anterior limb region of the hosts. Incomplete resection of these heterotopic tails was followed by tail regeneration, while no tail regeneration occurred following complete resection of the heterotopic tails. Successful tail regeneration depended on the presence of neural tissue along the resection plane.
  Citation: Anatomia
  PubDate: 2024-02-29
  DOI: 10.3390/anatomia3010004
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 1 (2024)
Anatomia, Vol. 3, Pages 50-56: Advances in Anatomy and Its History
- Authors: Gianfranco Natale, Francesco Fornai
  First page: 50
  Abstract: Anatomy is still considered the most ancient and basic discipline in the medical sciences [...]
  Citation: Anatomia
  PubDate: 2024-03-14
  DOI: 10.3390/anatomia3010005
  Issue No: Vol. 3, No. 1 (2024)

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