Bilateral duplicated crura of the thoracoabdominal diaphragm

Usually, the right crus of the diaphragm attach onto the upper and the left crus onto the upper two lumbar vertebrae. In the present case, bilateral duplication of the diaphragmatic crura was noted. The right crus duplicated into right medial crus which had the usual attachment and right lateral crus that attached to the fifth lumbar vertebra. The left crus also duplicated into left medial crus which had the usual attachment and left lateral crus that attached to the fifth lumbar vertebra. A retrocrural space separated the two duplications. A thorough knowledge of crural variations is necessary for the surgeons during surgical interventions

Morphometry and Morphology of Extracranial Part of Facial Nerve – A Cadaveric Study

Introduction: Identification of the extracranial part of facial nerve with respect to bony landmarks is important to avoid injury to it. Purpose: To measure the length of the facial nerve trunk and its divisions and to measure the distance of the nerve trunk with the mastoid process and atlas. The variations in the divisions and branches were also noted. Methods: Twenty hemi-faces were dissected. The facial nerve was identified at the stylomastoid foramen and dissected meticulously through the parotid gland. The divisions and branches were identified and traced. The trunk was measured from the stylomastoid foramen to its point of bifurcation. The length of the two divisions were measured up to their branching. The distance from the nerve trunk to the mastoid process and atlas were measured. Results: Mean length of facial nerve trunk in centimetres was 1.380±0.082, length of upper division was 0.820±0.108 and length of lower division was 0.890±0.090. The mean distance in centimetres between the facial nerve trunk and mastoid process tip was 1.300±0.089 and the distance between facial nerve trunk and transverse process of atlas was 1.645±0.108. Conclusion: The above data may help in minimising injury to the facial nerve

Variant Musculo-tendinous Slip between Teres major and Triceps brachii

A variation of the muscles of the scapular region is a very rare finding. During the routine dissection for the undergraduates, a variant short musculo-tendinous slip in between the teres major and the long head of triceps brachii muscles was seen. This slip could cause compression of the underlying brachial vessels and the cords of brachial plexus. Therefore this type of variation is worthy of being noted by the surgeons

Morphometry of subcutaneous fat lobules of the abdomen and its implication in obesity

Aim: The subcutaneous fat in the lower abdomen (LA) is more resistant to resorption when compared to the upper abdomen (UA). Males and females have variability in fat deposition and resorption in the abdominal region. Hence, there could be a difference in morphology of fat cells of these regions. The present study aims to identify the differences in morphology of subcutaneous fat lobules of upper and LA.Methods: Subcutaneous fat samples were collected from upper and LA of 40 cadavers (33 males and 7 females). The shape, the arrangement and the color of superficial and deep subcutaneous fat lobules were observed. The height and width were recorded for larger fat lobules.Results: There was a difference in the color, shape, size and arrangement of the fat lobules between the two locations. Height (P = 0.042) and width (P = 0.008) of deep subcutaneous fat of LA were significantly larger than the UA in males while the height of superficial fat (P = 0.016) was significantly larger in LA than the UA in females. Height of the deep fat of UA (P = 0.018) and width of deep fat of the LA (P = 0.020) were significantly larger in females than males.Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the morphology of the superficial and deep subcutaneous fat based on location and gender of the patient

ansa cervicalis: anatomical variation

The ansa cervicalis is a loop of nerves that is usually formed by the union of ventral rami of spinal nerves C1, C2, and C3. It is located in the carotid triangle of the neck, lying superficial to the carotid sheath. During routine dissection, unilateral variation of the ansa cervicalis was observed. The superior root, arising from hypoglossal nerve, was initially bifurcated and later united to form a single superior root. IN addition, the inferior root consisted of fibres arising from the spinal accessory nerve, C1, C2 and C3 spinal nerves that joined separately. Fibres from the spinal accessory and C1 joined to form a single root. Thus, a ‘triple form’ of ansa cervicalis was observed. An interconnection was observed between the C2 and C3 fibres. Knowledge of such anatomical variations is important for surgery, clinical intervention or trauma involving the carotid triangle or the structures within or deep to this region