Acta Scientiae Anatomica goal is to provide quality research and expand the medium of communication of Morphology and its branches. Acta Scientiae Anatomica welcomes human anatomy, gross anatomy, clinical anatomy, animal anatomy, histology, embryology and anatomical education manuscripts. We further welcome papers that embraces clinical and surgical aspects and their relation to Morphology. This journal publishes original and review articles, case reports, clinical images and letters to the editors. ISSN: 2595-7651
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Interobserver and intraobserver analysis of the Neer and AO/OTA classifications for proximal humerus fractures
Objectives: To evaluate the intra- and inter-observer agreement of the Neer and AO/OTA classification systems for proximal humeral fractures based on imaging analysis. Methods: A retrospective imaging-based study was conducted including radiographs and computed tomography scans of adult patients diagnosed with proximal humeral fractures. Three orthopedic surgeons independently classified all fractures according to the Neer and AO/OTA systems. After a minimum interval of four weeks, the same evaluators reassessed the images in a randomized order to determine intra-observer agreement. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were calculated using the Kappa coefficient, and agreement levels were interpreted according to the criteria proposed by Landis and Koch. Results: Intra-observer agreement was high for both classification systems. The Neer classification demonstrated almost perfect to substantial intra-observer reproducibility, while the AO/OTA classification showed consistently substantial agreement among evaluators. In contrast, inter-observer agreement was lower for both systems. The Neer classification presented fair inter-observer agreement, whereas the AO/OTA classification demonstrated similarly limited concordance, particularly in fractures with more complex patterns. Conclusion: Both classification systems showed satisfactory reproducibility when applied repeatedly by the same observer; however, inter-observer agreement remained limited, especially for the AO/OTA classification. These findings indicate that while the Neer and AO/OTA systems are reliable for individual clinical use, caution is warranted when they are employed as standardized tools for comparative research or multicenter studies.
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Report of a rare case of high division of the sciatic nerve over the superior gemellus muscle
The sciatic nerve (SN), originating from the sacral plexus, is the largest nerve in the human body. Anatomically, it passes through the gluteal region, crossing the greater sciatic notch, and divides at the popliteal fossa into its terminal branches, the tibial and common fibular nerves, but there are variations in the level of this bifurcation, which are frequently found. The aim of this study was to report a case of high division of the sciatic nerve passing through the superior gemellus muscle, an anatomical variation considered relevant to clinical practice. The variation was found during the dissection of a male cadaver, in the left lower limb. The SI was divided as it entered the gluteal region, with the common fibular nerve on the upper margin of the superior gemellus muscle and the tibial nerve on the lower margin of the superior gemellus muscle. The two branches, tibial and common fibular, remained divided throughout the posterior extension of the lower limb. The occurrence of a high division of the sciatic nerve, as well as its path, is important during clinical-surgical approaches in cases of injuries that may affect parts of the gluteal or femoral regions, in addition to being correlated with a condition of nerve compression.
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Inheritance of fingerprints among the Urhobo people of Nigeria: implication in forensic genetics
Introduction: Several scholars had proposed the possibility of parentage determination using physically expressive diallelic morphogenetic traits of their offspring and, have provided a clue of the possibility that certain traits could be predominant in a population, yet exist as recessive traits. Nevertheless, arguments about the heritability of “variant expressive” triallelic traits such as the fingerprints in humans have been on for years, with only assumptive explanations. This study investigated the inheritance of fingerprints among the Urhobo people residing in Delta State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study, which was comparative and, family-based was comprised of 60 families and 180 unrelated individuals. Prints were taken with an Hp G4010 scanner, Chisquare test evaluated sex-associated differences, Mood median test ascertained laterality of ridges, Heritability coefficient and One-way analysis of variance determined qualitatively and quantitatively the certainty of inheritance of fingerprint patterns. Results: A conformance for the family and unrelated group for R1D-5D was calculated as 90%, 68%, 87%, 81%, 90% and, 57%, 47%, 60%, 60%, 80% while for L1D-5D a conformance of 80%, 67%, 85%, 90%, 87% and, 53%, 63%, 67%, 77%, 73% was obtained. We observed an HO of 57% and, 46% for the digits of the right and left hands. The left little finger (L5D) was sexually dimorphic among the family group (X2=10.233; P=0.006). Conclusion: We observed that the same patterns combined for parents produced a different phenotype in some offspring, suggesting a possibility of epistatic and, hypostatic influence of genes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Acta Scientiae Anatomica https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Distance from anterior margin of the mandibular ramus to the mandibular foramen in dentulous and total edentulous: An anatomical study in dry mandibles as reference in pterygomandibular anesthesia
Introduction: Pterygomandibular anesthesia (PtAn) is very complex due the approach and localization of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in medial side of mandibular ramus. However, the structural modifications in total edentulous mandible should difficult identification of anatomical structures during clinical management to perform this dental anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is statistical difference in the mean distance between the retromolar fosse (RF) and the mandible foramen (MF) in dentulous and total edentulous dry mandibles. Material e Methods: 40 dry adult mandibles divided into 20 dentulous and 20 total edentulous were collected from Human Anatomy Laboratory of the Uberlandia Federal University and they were used in this study. Results: The results did not present statistical differences, revealing average measurements to all studied mandibles of 0.7 mm to the right antimere and 0.3 mm to the left antimere. The antimeres between each presented a mean difference of 0.3 mm in dentulous mandibles, and 0.7 mm in edentulous mandibles. These averages can be considered to 0.5 mm among all mandibles and 0.5 mm between antimeres. Conclusions: The distance among the anatomical structures here reported is not clinically significant to perform the pterygomandibular anesthesia both in dentulous and total edentulous mandibles. Basically, during the anesthesia there is not probably a significant variation to the needle penetration depth in these patients.
Biomechanical analysis of the jejunum of dogs’ cadavers preserved with formaldehyde in comparison with a solution of sodium chloride
Several alternative methods are in development for animal welfare in veterinary medicine teaching. Those methods aim to replace live animals, without impairing the student’s learning process. This study aims to quantify the intestinal resistance changes in dogs’ cadavers during fixation up to 4 months in a 10% formaldehyde solution and conservation in 30% sodium chloride solution. Three jejunum samples of eight dogs’ cadavers were collected and analyzed at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. Biomechanical traction test values from the jejunum and control group were compared, determining similarities, which could justify the use of these cadavers in surgical techniques. The effects of formaldehyde or saline solution did not cause the statistical difference between the analyzed times with the control samples in elongation, that is, the variation in tissue elasticity was not significantly influenced by chronic fixation or preservation in sodium chloride solution. The 10% formaldehyde solution led to a progressive reduction of the maximum force of jejunum rupture at all times compared to the control moment, probably due to tissue dehydration, causing its stiffening.
Supernumerary penile frenulum: a rare description in the literature
The frenulum of prepuce of penis is an elastic band of tissue covered by mucosa, located in the ventral surface of the penis, this component is said to be supernumerary when there is more than one anatomical structure that performs the same function. On physical examination, two accessory frenulum were found, bilaterally, adhered to the penile glans. The penile adhesion can result in biological and behavioral problems, requiring the surgical removal of anomalous scaffolds.
5-Year Retrospective Study of the Prevalence of Cervical Lesions at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Introduction: Cervical cancer is a significant cause of death among women in developing countries. It is considered as the second most common cancer occurring in women and the third leading cause of death from cancer worldwide. We determined the patterns of cervical lesions as well as their prevalence at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for the period of five preceding years in Nigeria. Material and Methods: This was a 5-year retrospective study conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), a tertiary health facility in Benin City, Nigeria. Data were obtained from records of all patients, who were screened for cervical cancer in the Department of Morbid Anatomy, University of Benin. Permission was obtained from the UBTH Ethics Committee. The Bethesda Standardized System was used to classify patients’ pap smears. Results: Among the 2115 pap smears that were considered appropriate, 76.7%, 9.2%, 3.4%, 3.2%, 0.7%, 0.5% and 0.14% respectively were Normal, Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) with acute cervicitis (NAC), Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy with moderately severe acute cervicitis (NMSAC), Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LGSIL), High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) respectively. Our study recorded a 20% prevalence of cervical cancer with 94% of the precancerous cervical lesion occurring between 30 – 39 years. Conclusion: This study on the patterns of cervical lesion in UBTH, indicated that pap diagnosed as Negative for epithelial lesion or malignancy with acute cervicitis (NAC) was predominant compared to other precancerous lesions.
Incidence and morphological aspects of the vitelline diverticulum in broiler chicken
Introduction: The vitelline diverticulum is known as the junction point of the vitelline vesicle with the chick during embryogenesis and appears after hatching. It is located distally to the duodenum and forms a small prominence in the midgut. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the incidence of vitelline diverticulum in slaughter birds and to characterize this structure morphologically. Material and Methods: 1614 birds from two slaughterhouses located in the city of São João de Meriti (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), of both sexes, aged approximately 58-60 days, were used. The viscera were collected immediately after slaughter, where the presence or absence of the vitelline diverticulum was verified. For histological analysis, the samples were sent to the Histology Laboratory of the Biomedical Institute of Fluminense Federal University. Histological processing was performed by inclusion in paraffin for routine staining, and the slides were analyzed under optical microscopy. Results: Our results revealed that 99.75% of the slaughtered birds presented the vitelline diverticulum in the jejunum. It was observed that its structure coincides with that of the intestine, with the serous, muscular, and mucous layers, however, it does present villi, and is rich in glandular elements. Microscopy also revealed a large number of lymphatic follicles dispersed throughout its extension. Conclusion: The percentage of the vitelline diverticulum was higher than the majority described in the literature, with this study showing a close association between the vitelline diverticulum and lymphoid tissue.
Madelung's deformity is an anomaly characterized by subluxation of the carpus in relation to the forearm, that is, a progressive volar inclination of the ulna in relation to the distal articular surface of the radius. It commonly affects women and is bilateral, manifesting at the end of childhood. It can be caused by genetic changes, or after trauma, infection or neoplasia. The present report addresses a 13-year-old patient who complained of pain in the wrist with painful irradiation to the forearm. On radiography, abnormalities were identified in the radius, ulna and carpal bones. Due to its low complexity, a conservative treatment for symptom relief was chosen, with no provision for surgical procedures. Nevertheless, surgery can be an alternative to correct severe cases and relieve persistent pain. It consists of the dome osteotomy, which provides better volar coverage to the lunate and has a high success rate, mainly in the resolution of pain.
The Hausa face: an ethnic study from Nigeria
Introduction: Over the years, physical anthropologists have used the metric variables obtained from the skull in the determination of an individual’s sex, race as well as his/ her ethnicity to help provide a detailed and accurate description of the individual. The study objective was aimed at investigating the various face types, facial length, facial width, prosopic index and also the influence of gender on face type distribution. Material and Methods: In this study, a total of 100 participants consisting of 50 Hausa male and 50 hausa females were involved in the study, with the use of the manual caliper as well as pencil in the process of data collection. T-test as statistical tool was used to comparing the means of the test variable between male and female as well as the chi-square test in establishing the association between gender and face types Results: Findings from this study showed hyperleptoprosopic face type been the most dominant with an incidence of 50/100 with mesoproscopic been the least prevalent (20%). As regards the mesoproscopic and leptoproscopic face type they were predominant in males than females. Statistical significance was observed when comparing the facial width and prosopic index between male and female in the studied population with p-value of 0.005 & 0.037 respectively. Conclusion: The most predominant face type among the Hausa’s was the hyperleptoprosopic face type with an incidence level of 50/100. It was observed that the dominant face type in males was leptoproscopic while that of the females was the hyperleptoprosopic face type.
Can a tannic acid-based solution substitute formalin as a fixative for macroscopic specimens?
Introduction: The most famous pedagogic tool to teach anatomy is the dissection. Despite recent models with fresh cadavers, dissection mainly occurs in formalin fixed specimens. However, this substance is known to be toxic. Several alternative solutions appeared in the last decades, although most of them are used in microscopic studies, as such, the macroscopic environment remains in need of a new alternative capable to replace the formaldehyde. The study conducted herein proposes the use of this solution as an option for formaldehyde replacement. Material and Methods: 8 Wistar rats were fixated in a 10% formalin solution and 8 rats were fixated in a tannic acid alcohol-based solution (0.25%). These animals were dissected by 14 medical students. Afterwards, the students received a questionnaire to evaluate aspects such as odor, texture and color of the specimen and flexibility of the joints. The toxicity of each compound was analyzed by “in silico” tests for cutaneous and respiratory systems. Results: The results showed superiority of the tannic acid alcoholic solution over the regular formalin solution in several parameters analyzed, except in relation to the color of the specimen. The toxicity of skin and respiratory tract was absent in tannic acid alcoholic solution. Conclusion: The tannic acid may be a substitute to formaldehyde-based solutions, as it has been shown to decrease risk factors to individuals that manipulates fixed corpses and tissues.
Histopathological patterns of uterine tumors seen in Central Hospital Warri, Delta State
Introduction: Uterine tumor a disease holding the sixth position in the rank of common gynecological diseases affecting women of child-bearing age globally. It affects all age groups and can be presented in various patterns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological patterns of uterine tumors seen at Central Hospital, Warri Delta State. The distribution of uterine tumors in relation to various age groups was observed. Material and Methods: The study was a retrospective cross-section study and the purposive sampling was employed for sample collection. The case files of patients were retrieved from the archive of the histological department and data on patient’s age, pattern of uterine tumor, and year of diagnosis were recorded in Microsoft Excel sheet. Data were analyzed using chi-square via statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 23 and were presented in form of charts and tables. Significance was denoted at p>0.05. Results: Patients in the studied were from 30-70 years of age. The most common uterine tumor was leiomyoma (48.7%) with the least was benign polyps (6.5%) which were attributed mostly to women within the ages of 30-40 years. The finding of the study showed a significant association (p>0.05) between uterine tumor types and age. Conclusion: The histopathological examination of Uterine tumor has shown its presentation to be age based and its common form was leiomyoma. Uterine biopsy is recommended for its identification.
Olecranon aperture: an incidental finding
The olecranon aperture or the supratrochlear foramen is an aperture situated at the distal epyphysis of the humerus. This aperture is situated between the olecranon fossae and the coronoid fossae. These fossae are usually separated by a thin bony plate or membrane. The olecranon aperture is an anatomical variant said to be present in at least 20% of the population, with regional and ethnic differences. Much has been known regarding its prevalence, however, its origin is still in debate. The supratrochlear foramen is said to cause an increased elbow extension and has been associated with fractures in the region due to the lack of bony mass. It can also mimic an ostelytic lesion or bone degradation, and, as such, we aim to report a case in which the olecranon aperture was found accidentally during a radiological evaluation of a shoulder and ulnar lesion.
A rare variation of the longest striated muscle in humans
Sartorius muscle is the longest skeletal muscle of the body. The muscle starts from the anterior superior iliac spine. Its tendon is attached to the anteromedial part of the proximal tibia bone and ends around the tuberosity of the tibia, together with the tendon of the gracilis and semitendinosus muscle and forms the pes anserinus (goose foot). In short, this muscle extends downward from the outer surface of the os coxae (usually similar to the letter s), from the ASIS towards the leg, as such it passes over the hip and knee joints and acts on two of the largest joints of the body. We observed an unusual biventeric variation of this muscle in routine dissection program of assistant education programme. In this biventeric variation we observed that there were two separate muscle bundles starting around anterior superior iliac spine. The lateral muscle bundle extended more linearly towards the medial edge of the patella and terminated around the tibial tuberosity. The distal tendon portion of this lateral part was closely associated with the patellofemoral ligament and medial collateral ligament before ending in the anterior margin of tibia. The medial muscle bundle also started from the anterior superior iliac spine but the extension of this bundle was similar to the classical sartorius muscle extension. The medial part was mainly associated with pes anserinus.
A case report of an uncommon course of the small saphenous vein
This study reports on a variation of the small saphenous vein identified during routine anatomic dissection of a male cadaver. The small saphenous vein did not drain into the popliteal vein and was directed upwards to drain into the great saphenous vein. During the small saphenous vein ascending course to great saphenous vein, a short branch drained the long head of biceps femoris muscle into the small saphenous vein. Furthermore, an anastomotic branch between small saphenous vein and great saphenous vein was observed in the posterior aspect of the thigh. The current study described unusual anatomy of the small saphenous vein, which is important knowledge for surgeons since SSV has been useful in coronary artery bypass grafts and treatment of varicose veins.
Elongated styloid process: a case report
The styloid process is a pointy prominence that rises from the petrous portion of the temporal bone. It gives origin to the stylohyoid, styloglossal and stylopharyngeal muscles and the stylomandibular and stylohyoid ligaments. It also forms the anterior border of the stylomastoid foramen, which gives passage to the facial nerve. Situated deep into the neck, the styloid process possess anatomical relations with the pharynx, external and internal carotid vessels, vagus and accessory nerves and the internal jugular vein. Variations regarding this process are unusual. We report a case of an elongated styloid process found in a dry skull during anatomy lessons. The elongated styloid process can cause compression on the aforementioned structures, thus giving origin to the Eagle syndrome, which can be diagnosed by imaging exams. Eagle syndrome can produce symptoms of odynophagia, dysphagia, pain, foreign body sensation and others. Thus, knowledge of the styloid process variations is important in the clinical and surgical field.
Incidence of sutural bones at asterion in dry human skulls in Northeast Brazil
Introduction: The asterion is a craniometric point in the norma lateralis of the skull situated at the junction between lambdoid, parietomastoid, and occipitomastoid sutures. The aim of this study is to assess the sutural morphology of the asterion and its distance from bony landmarks in human skulls from Northeast Brazil. Materials and Methods: 60 skull halves from individuals from Northeast Brazil were analyzed. The morphological variability of the asterion and measurements of the asterion to the root of the zygomatic arch (A-RZA), the tip of the mastoid process (A-TMP), the suprameatal crest (A-SMC), and the external occipital protuberance (A-EOP) were investigated. Results: Type I asterion was observed in 19 (31.67%) of the cases, and common more in males (18.34%). Type I occurred more on the left side in males (11.67%), whereas in females on the right side (8.34%). Type II asterion was occurred more in females (43.34%), and common more on the right side in both the genders. No statistical difference was found between the sides in the location of the A-RZA, A-TMP, A-SMC, and A-EOP. There was also no statistical difference between the right and left sides between the genders (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The Brazilian population has a high incidence of type I asterion, different from previous studies. This data may be of use when planning for surgical approaches to the skull and also when interpreting radiological images.
Morphology of the esophagus using formalin-fixed samples
Introduction: The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach, which carries food and liquid from the mouth into the stomach. Previous studies have not provided detailed descriptions of the conditions of the esophagus, as measured using standards prepared in formalin. Material and Methods: Post-mortem measurements can be important to assist in diagnosis of the pathology of the esophagus. In this work, measurements were made of 73 formalin-fixed esophagi obtained from autopsied patients who did not present any evidence of pathologies in this specific organ. The measurements of the esophagus were made after transverse section at the level of the lower border of the cricoid cartilage. Measurements of the organ were standardized as follows: esophageal length, external perimeter in the cardia, lower external perimeter, average external perimeter, and upper external perimeter. Results: The average height of the men in the study was 9.5 cm greater than the average height of the women. Correlation between the height of the individual and the esophagus measurements showed that the greater the height, the greater the length and upper external perimeter of the esophagus. A greater length was associated with a greater upper external perimeter. The cardia was larger than all the perimeters. The data showed that the esophagi were tubular in shape, except at the lower end, where the diameter was larger than in the other regions. Conclusion: These measurements should assist in the identification and elucidation of chagasic megaesophagus, idiopathic megaesophagus, and other esophagus-related disorders.
Occurence of complete agenesis of the sacral canal dorsal wall
Introduction: The sacrum is a triangular bone formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae and is located on the pelvic region between the hip bones. Anatomical variations frequently occur on the sacral posterior part, such as the agenesis of the sacral dorsal wall that is characterized by a failure in the fusion of the sacral vertebrae laminae, making the meninges and the spinal nerves unprotected. The objective of this study was to verify the occurence of complete agenesis of the sacral dorsal wall and its clinical implications. Material and Methods: 45 sacrums were used, of unknown sex and age, from the Anatomy Laboratories of the Federal University of Sergipe and of the Tiradentes University. The length of the sacral canal was measured with the use of digital caliper. Results: The complete agenesis of the sacral dorsal wall was found, in approximately, 4.44% (2) of the cases, and the average length of the sacral canal was of about 103 mm. In one of the cases, the sacral posterior wall possessed a narrowing between S3 and S4, while the other case showed two narrowings, one being between S2 and S3, and the other between S4 and S5. Conclusion: The knowledge of the complete agenesis of the dorsal wall can help by reducing failures during the process of caudal epidural anesthesia, besides being useful to the orthopedists, as well as in pediatrics to deal with the congenital anomalies.
A supernumerary variation of the pharyngeal muscles - a case report
The pharynx is a complex region and it partly possesses a muscular architecture. The classical textbooks divide them into the constrictors (superior, middle and inferior) and elevators (palatopharyngeus and stylopharyngeus) muscles, which are very significant to pharyngeal physiology and its main function: swallowing. Despite that, little is known regarding the anatomical variations of these muscles. We present a rare case in which a longitudinal and bilateral bundle arose from the basilar portion of the occipital bone near the pharyngeal tubercle and went towards the fibers of the inferior constrictor muscle and blended with them. We believe that this is an aberrant slip of the superior constrictor muscle, although there is no sufficient data to support this hypothesis. Similar variations have been described, but after thorough research, we believe that the one described herein was not previously reported. Variations of the pharyngeal muscles may lead to alterations in its function, thus, should be further studied and reported.
The sternal foramen - a small anomaly of clinical relevance that can mimic traumatic complications
Sternal foramens are developmental defects on the medium line of the sternum due to incomplete fusion of its ossification centers. Its prevalence varies from 4.3 to 18.3%, and because of its location, most of the time, on the inferior third of the body, it predisposes risk of fatal complications during sternal puncture or bone marrow biopsy. It was observed on an adult sternal bone, without sex or age identification, a semi-elliptical foramen located on the inferior third of the body, on the level of the fifth notch of the costochondral junction, whose length and width were of 8,0 mm and 10,0 mm, respectively. The knowledge of this foramen is of great importance to health professionals, especially on the execution of sternal procedures, since its presence can lead to complications during the acupuncture practice and on bone marrow sternal punctures, as well as to prevent radiological and pathological misinterpretations, so, in that way, patient care can be improved.
Forearm supination and the posterior interosseous nerve: a cadaveric study with surgical implications
Introduction: The lateral and anterior approaches to the proximal radius are often used in the surgical treatment of radius shaft fractures. Posterior interosseous nerve injury is among the complications of these procedures. This nerve is also known as the deep branch of the radial nerve. It innervates several muscles of the posterior compartment of the forearm. The posterior interosseous nerve runs close to the radiocapitellar joint and pierces the supinator muscle beneath the Frohse’s arcade. There is great debate in the literature whether to supine or to pronate the forearm in order to avoid iatrogenic injuries of this nerve. The present work aims to measure the distance between the posterior interosseous nerve and the distal biceps tendon during forearm pronation or supination. Material and Methods: A sample of 30 cadavers (15 male and 15 female) were dissected and the posterior interosseous nerve was traced to the Frohse’s arcade. The distance between its point of entrance and the distal biceps tendon, the radial head and the radiocapitellar joint were measured during forearm pronation and supination with the aid of a digital caliper. Statistical analysis was performed with the IBM SPSS 23 software, p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: It was observed that the distance increased significantly (p < 0.05) during supination. Conclusions: Maximum supination of the forearm may be an excellent maneuver to increase the distance between the posterior interosseous nerve and several anatomical landmarks thus helping to avoid damage during the Henry’s and Kocher’s approaches to the elbow.
Bilateral fusion between neck and mandibular condyle: a case report with clinical and anatomical significance
The mandible condyles are often target to anatomical variations. However, there are a great number of causes, such as age, gender, ethnicity, facial type, occlusal force, functional load, and malocclusion. Furthermore, they may present symptoms or not, and they can be even caused by intraarticular fractures, due to bone remodeling. We report an uncommon bilateral fusion between neck and mandibular condyle. This anatomical curiosity should be kept in mind by clinicians and academics that may manipulate this anatomical area.
Topographic presentation of theAppendix in 100 cases
Introduction: The term vermiform appendix comes from the Latin vermis which means worm-shaped. The appendix is a muscular cylindrical canal of reduced lumen with the presence of lymphoid tissue, usually 3 to 20 cm in length. It projects itself from the posteromedial face of the cecum, 2.5 cm inferior to the ileocecal junction, although this is prone to vary. We aim to identify the anatomical presentations of the vermiform appendix in cases of necropsies according to gender. Material and Methods: One-hundred random cases of necropsies were included in this work. The appendix was identified in situ and classified according to the implantation of its base at the cecum and the position of its tip. The findings were classified according to official nomenclature, with 50 female cadavers and 50 male cadavers. Results: The most frequent anatomic position was retrocecal for both genders, representing 49%, followed by pelvic position with 27% and subcecal with 21%. Post-ileal and paracecal positions were not found. For the female sample the appendix was retrocecal in 24%, pelvic in 16% and subcecal in 8% of cases. For the female sample the appendix was retrocecal in 25%, subcecal in 13% and pelvic in 11% of cases. Conclusions: As such, the anatomic-topographic presentation with the most frequency was retrocecal for both genders. Comparatively, the male sample had a higher prevalence of the subcecal presentation of the appendix.
Sternal foramen in the La Plata dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei)
The sternal foramen is an anatomic variation widely known in humans. It is caused during fetal development and can be commonly found during routine exams or autopsies. It possesses clinical significance as it can lead to misdiagnosis or increase the possibility of pericardial injury during bone marrow biopsy or acupuncture. Being an osseous variation, the sternal foramen can also be found in other mammals, such as cats, calves and dolphins, albeit rarely. We aim to report the presence of the sternal foramen in the sternum of the La Plata dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei).
Chemically prepared dog cadavers in teaching of surgical technique - evaluation by students of a veterinary medicine course
It is essential and imperative to humanely use live animals in research and teaching activities and consequently, to search for alternative methods that do not prejudice academic or scientific efforts. The objective of this work was to evaluate the opinions of veterinary undergraduate students as to the acceptability of using chemically prepared dog cadavers to teach surgical methods. To evaluate the opinions, the students were asked to complete an evaluation form at the end of the surgery classes for one semester. The resistance of the skin, muscles, stomach, intestine, and urinary bladder to incision/suture and the malleability of intestines, spleen, and liver were evaluated. The students assigned a score of 1 (very bad) to 10 (excellent) to each of these characteristics for an average score of 7.32 ± 1.63, and 75.67% of the students were found to be in favor of the use of cadavers. In addition, over 80% of the students favored initial surgical training with chemically preserved cadavers, followed by classes including live animals from the Veterinary Hospital who came for elective surgery, such as an orchiectomy or ovariohysterectomy.
Replacement of the background stain in the Taenzer-Unna acid Orcein method: contemporary perspective on research and histopathological diagnosis
The histochemistry is an important area of Histology whose purpose is to evidence, through dyes and reagents, the microscopic structures to make them more evident. For the performance of histochemical techniques in the laboratories of research and histopathological diagnosis, several substances are used, many of them are extremely toxic for the human being and the environment. In Brazil, the disposal of chemical residues is regulated by the National Environment Council (CONAMA) and the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). The investment in reduction of residues is important, since the prevention is the safest way to mitigate the cost with residue management. In this sense, histological techniques must be reviewed and standardized in order to preserve the quality of analyzed material as well as the health of the worker and the environment, observing the principles of good laboratory practice. Although classical histochemical stains are still used in modern laboratories of research as well as pathology, there are no recent reports considering the revision and/or modification of these techniques during the last two centuries. The Orcein staining is used to demonstrate elastic fibers in paraffin embedded tissues, picric acid has been used as background staining. Considering that picric acid reveals high power of sublimation, that is, potentially explosive and with harmful effects to health, the objective of this study was to verify the possibility of replacement of the picric acid by another dye less toxic. For this, light green and orange G were tested. The results revealed the inefficiency of orange G in promoting greater contrast, while light green promoted to be an excellent background staining, highlighting the elastic fibers better when compared to orange G and picric acid. It is possible to conclude that histochemical techniques should be revised and/or adapted to preserve the health of the worker and the environment.
Suprapiriformis exit of the sciatic nerve:a case report
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. It originates from the lumbosacral plexus (L4-S3). This nerve is subject to numerous anatomical variations, especially its relationship with the piriformis muscle. Total hip arthroplasties are one of the most performed procedures in orthopedics, and the later approach to this joint is quite frequent and care with the sciatic nerve is essential to avoid iatrogenic injury. We aim to report a rare anatomical variation of the sciatic nerve found during total hip arthroplasty in which the nerve passed above the piriformis muscle. Anatomical knowledge of these variants directly implies a better surgical technique, thus, the understanding the numerous dispositions of the sciatic nerve prevents iatrogenic injuries.
A review of the corona mortis with clinical and surgical applications to orthopedics
The corona mortis (crown of death) is usually considered as the anastomosis between the external iliac vessels and internal iliac vessels over the superior pubic ramus, although there is no consensus regarding its definition. It possesses a variable prevalence among different studies and its presence is of surgical significance to numerous procedures. Some of these surgeries are routinely performed by the orthopedist, thus, awareness of the corona mortis is crucial. The present work aimed to perform a comprehensive review to evaluate the prevalence of the corona mortis and to address its anatomical, surgical and clinical aspects in respect to orthopedics. It is known that iatrogenic rupture of this vessel during surgery may cause significant hemorrhage with difficulty in hemostasis. This vessel can also be the source of hemorrhage in pubic fractures, hence, when evaluating pubic fractures one must check the presence of bleeding and its source. Thus, the orthopedist must remember this vessel during procedures such as osteotomies and whilst using accesses such as the ilioinguinal and modified Stoppa.
The pectoral muscles come from the same muscular mass. In normal anatomy there are two pectoral muscles: the pectoralis major and the pectoralis minor. It’s prevalent in 11-16% of individuals. The presence of axilary variant muscles may cause neurovascular compression and, in addition, complicate surgical procedures. During regular dissection class, the presence of an uncommon variant in a male cadaver was found: a fourth pectoral muscle with its origins in the costocondral junction of fifth and sixth ribs and insertion at the pectoralis major fascia. It was located inferiorly to the pectoralis minor and posteriorly and inferiorly of the edge of the pectoralis major muscle, further detached from it. We believe that the knowledge of these anatomic variations is significant in some surgical procedures, such as lymphadenectomy. Moreover, knowledge of these variants is also important during imaging procedures, as to avoid misdiagnosis.