The plantaris muscle — rare relations to the neurovascular bundle in the popliteal fossa

The plantaris muscle is characterised by morphological variability, both for origin and insertion, and may sometimes be absent. Its strength allows the ligament to be used for reconstruction of other tendons and ligaments. This report presents the rare placements and course of the plantaris muscle in relation to the neurovascular bundle. In this case, the hypertrophy of this muscle might cause pressure on the tibial nerve and produce symptoms similar to sciatica

An unusual insertion of an accessory band of the semitendinosus tendon: case report and review of the literature

The Pes Anserinus is characterised by high morphological variability. It consists of three tendons: the sartorius, gracilis and semitendinosus. The semitendinosus and gracilis tendons are routinely harvested for reconstruction anterior cruciate ligament, and the presence of accessory bands within them can handicap the harvesting process. This report presents a case of a rare insertion of accessory band of the semitendinosus tendon (to the fascia of the soleus muscle and tibia). The current classification should be extended to accommodate such “rare cases” to facilitate more successful hamstring grafts

Anatomical study on branching pattern and variations of orbital segment of the oculomotor nerve

Background: This study aims to revisit the anatomy of orbital segment of the third cranial nerve (CN III). The study also involved morphometric measurements of CN III muscular branches. Detailed description of observed anatomical variations and their incidence was also included. The study supplements earlier findings with detailed observations of the neuromuscular relations. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 52 orbits taken from 26 cadaveric heads (10 males and 16 females; Central European population). Results: Anatomical variations of the orbital segment of the CN III observed on the examined material involved both the superior and inferior branch of this nerve. The muscular branch innervating the levator palpebrae superioris muscle occasionally pierces the superior rectus muscle. The nerve to the inferior oblique muscle may pierce and innervate the inferior rectus muscle. In rare instances, duplication of the parasympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion may also occur. Among the muscular branches, the smallest diameter reached the branch to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. Among the three muscular branches derived from the inferior branch of the CN III, the nerve to the inferior oblique was the longest one. Its length varied from 28.9 mm to 37.4 mm. The shortest was the muscular branch to the inferior rectus muscle. Its length varied from 0 mm (when muscular sub-branches arose directly from the nerve to the inferior oblique muscle) to 7.58 mm. Conclusions: This study presented the characteristic of orbital segment of the CN III, including anatomical variations and morphometric measurements relevant to intraorbital procedures

The report on the co-occurrence of two different rare anatomic variations of the plantaris muscle tendon on both sides of an individual

The plantaris muscle usually begins with a short and small muscle belly on the popliteal surface of the femur and on the knee joint capsule. It continues distally to form a long and thin tendon typically fixed to the calcaneal tuberosity. However, the course and the insertion of the plantaris muscle is variable, which may influence the development of Achilles tendinopathy. The plantaris tendon may also be used for reconstruction of tendons and ligaments, such as talofibular and calcaneofibular ligament. In literature review no data concerning the co-occurrence of anatomic variations of the plantaris muscle tendon in different individuals has been found. This report presents a rare variant of the plantaris muscle insertion into the deep crural fascia on the left leg and absence of the plantaris muscle on the right leg of the same individual

Types of coeliac trunk branching including accessory hepatic arteries: a new point of view based on cadaveric study

Background: The coeliac trunk (CT) is major visceral branch of the abdominal aorta. Familiarity with anatomic variations of the CT is relevant for planning radiological and surgical procedures. The aim of our research was determining variations of the CT, including the occurrence of accessory hepatic arteries (AHA). Materials and methods: Forty cadavers were studied. Six patterns of CT branching were observed in this study. AHA were observed in 7 (17.5%) specimens. The most prevalent variation was normal trifurcation, accounting for 62.5% of cases. The rarest variation was absence of the CT, with an incidence of 2.5%. In this variant the left gastric artery, the common hepatic artery, and the splenic artery branched directly off the abdominal aorta. Results: The study material allowed to distinguish two CT branching patterns which, to the best of our knowledge, have not been reported before. It was a type with four branches originating from the CT: the left gastric artery, the common hepatic artery, the splenic artery, and right AHA. The other previously unreported pattern variant was the CT which gave off three branches: the common hepatic artery, the splenic artery and right AHA. Conclusions: The average distance between the aortic hiatus and the coeliac trunk calculated for all the cadavers amounted to 54 ± 11.85 mm. The average distance between the CT and the superior mesenteric artery was 11.1 ± 7.7 mm

Polylactide-based films with the addition of poly(ethylene glycol) and extract of propolis—physico-chemical and storage properties

Polymeric films based on polylactide (PLA) with the addition of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and a chloroformic extract of propolis were obtained. In the case of the studied films, polylactide (PLA) played the role of polymeric matrix and poly(ethylene glycol) was used as a plasticizer, while the extract of propolis was incorporated as a compound that could significantly affect the properties of the obtained materials, especially the water vapour permeation rate and the stability of the food products. Moreover, changes in structure, morphology, mechanical and storage properties as well as differences in colour, thickness and transparency after introducing propolis into the PLA–PEG system were determined. Based on the obtained results, it was established that the addition of the chloroformic extract of propolis significantly influences the most important properties taken into account during food packaging. It was also noticed that films with incorporated propolis were characterised by a significant improvement in the water vapour barrier property. Moreover, the obtained results prove that packaging containing a chloroformic propolis extract allow for the maintenance of the quality of the fruit stored for an extended period of time. To summarise, the application of a chloroformic propolis extract enables the formation of packaging materials that extend the shelf life of stored food products

A morphological study of the medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries: a proposed new classification

Background: Confirming the branching pattern of the deep femoral artery (DFA) is vital in planning radiological and surgical procedures involving the medial circumflex femoral artery (MFCA) and the lateral circumflex artery (LFCA). The aim of this study was to characterise the course and morphology of branches of the DFA. Materials and methods: The anatomical dissection included 80 lower limbs which were fixed in 10% formalin solution. A dissection of the femoral region was carried out according to a pre-established protocol, using traditional techniques. Morphometric measurements were obtained twice by two researchers. Results: Six types of medial and lateral femoral circumflex artery variations were distinguished. In type I, the DFA divides into the MFCA and the LFCA (observed in 45% of cases). In type II, the MFCA is absent and the LFCA origin normally from the DFA (18.75%). In type III, the MFCA arises from the femoral artery above the origin of the DFA, while the LFCA starts from the DFA (15%). Finally, in type IV, the LFCA arises from the femoral artery above the origin of the DFA, while the MFCA starts from the DFA (10%). In type V, the LFCA origin alone from the femoral artery below the origin of the DFA, while the MFCA origin from the DFA (7.5%), while in type VI (3.75%), both the MFCA and the LFCA origin from the femoral artery. The mean diameter of the femoral artery at the level of the DFA origin was greatest in type 2 (10.62 ± 2.07 mm) and the least in type 6 (7.90 ± 1.72 mm; p = 0.0317). The distance from inguinal ligament to where the DFA arose was the greatest in type 6 (78.24 ± 29.74 mm) and least in type 5 (28.85 ± 11.72 mm; p = 0.0529). Conclusions: The medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries were characterised by high morphological variations. The diameter of the femoral artery at the level of inguinal ligament correlated with the diameter of the DFA and distance to where the DFA arises from femoral artery

Anatomical variations of the abductor pollicis longus: a pilot study

Background: The abductor pollicis longus (APL) originates from the lateral part of the dorsal surface of the body of the ulna below the insertion of the anconeus muscle, from the interosseous membrane, and from the middle third of the dorsal surface of the body of the radius. However, the number of its accessory bands and their insertion vary considerably.Materials and methods: Fifty upper limbs (2 paired, 31 male, 19 female) were obtained from adult Caucasian cadavers, and fixed in 10% formalin solution before examination.Results: The APL muscle was present in all specimens. The muscles were divided into three main categories, with type II and III being dived into subtypes. Type I was characterised by a single distal attachment, with the tendon inserting to the base of the I metacarpal bone. Type II was characterised by a bifurcated distal attachment, with the main tendon inserting to the base of the first metacarpal bone; this type was divided into three subtypes (a–c). Type III was characterised by the main tendons inserting to the base of the first metacarpal bone, while the accessory band was characterised by mergers (fusion) with other tendons. This type was divided into two subtypes (a, b).Conclusions: The abductor pollicis longus is characterised by high morphological variability

Case report of a bifurcated fibular (lateral) collateral ligament: which band is the dominant one?

Background: The fibular collateral ligament is a permanent and extracapsular ligament of the knee joint. It is located on the lateral aspect of the knee and extends from the lateral epicondyle of the femur to the lateral surface of the head of the fibula. As one of the main knee joint ligaments it is a stabilizer of the posterolateral corner of the knee and resists varus stress. The case report displays the bifurcated variant of the fibular collateral ligament. The aim of this study is to determine which of those bands should be considered dominant.Materials and methods: Classical anatomical dissection was performed on the left knee joint. The fibular collateral ligament was thoroughly cleansed around its origin, distal attachments, and course. Appropriate morphometric measurements were collected.Results: A bifurcated variant of the fibular collateral ligament with inverted proportions of its two bands (main and accessory one) constitutes our findings. It originated on the lateral epicondyle of the femur. Then it divided into two bands (A1 and A2). Band A1 inserted to the head of the fibula. A bony attachment of band A2 was located on the lateral aspect of the lateral condyle of the tibia.Conclusions: Although the fibular collateral ligament is a permanent structure it presents morphological variations. It is important to constantly extend morphological knowledge for all scientists concerned in anatomy

Types of inferior phrenic arteries: a new point of view based on a cadaveric study

Background: The diaphragm is supplied by the superior and inferior phrenic arteries. This present study focusses on the latter. The inferior phrenic arteries (IPA) usually originate from the abdominal aorta. The two arteries have different origins, and knowledge of these is important when performing related surgical interventions and interventional radiological procedures. The aim of this study was to identify variations in the origin of the IPA and conduct relevant morphometric analyses.Materials and methods: The anatomical variations in the origins of the left inferior phrenic artery (LIPA) and the right inferior phrenic artery (RIPA) were examined in 48 cadavers fixed in 10% formalin solution. A dissection of the abdominal region of the cadavers was performed according to a pre-established protocol using traditional techniques. Morphometric measurements were then taken twice by two of the researchers.Results: In the cadavers, six types of origin were observed. In type 1, the most common type, the RIPA and LIPA originate from the abdominal aorta (AA) (14 = 29.12%). In type 2, the RIPA and the LIPA originate from the coeliac trunk (CT) (12 = 24.96%). In type 3, the RIPA and the LIPA originate from the left gastric artery, with no CT observed (3 = 6.24%). Type 4 has two subtypes: 4A, in which the LIPA originates from the AA and the RIPA originates from the CT (9 = 18.72%) and 4B, in which the RIPA originates from the AA and the LIPA originates from the CT (6 = 12.48%). In type 5, the LIPA originates from the AA and the RIPA originates from the AA (1 = 2.08%). Type 6 is characterised by the RIPA and LIPA forming a common trunk originating from the CT (3 = 6.24%). Conclusions: Our findings suggest the presence of six different types of LIPA and RIPA origin. The most common form is type 1, characterised by an IPA originating from the abdominal aorta, while the second most common is type 2, in which the IPA originates from the AA by a common trunk. The diversity of other types of origin is associated with the occurrence of coeliac trunk variation (type 3). No significant differences in RIPA diameter could be found, whereas LIPA diameter could vary significantly. No significant differences in RIPA and the LIPA diameter could be found according to sex