Microvascularisation of the pineal gland in the rat

The authors investigated the pineal blood supply in the rat, including microvascularisation, using different methods of vascular corrosion cast technique and two methods of inspection: scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscope (LM). The animals were divided into three groups and injected with two types of casting media. It was found that the pineal gland is highly vascularised. Arterial supply is from the branches of the medial posterior choroidal artery which originates from the posterior cerebral artery. All veins drain into the great cerebral vein directly without forming the pineal vein. However, we noticed a short venous trunk between the great cerebral vein and the confluence of the sinuses. This venous trunk had not been described in literature till now and does not have a name in anatomical nomenclature. The authors showed the relationship of the pineal gland to adjacent venous vessels

Evaluation of several methods used in anatomical investigations of the blood and lymphatic vessels

The aim of this review is to describe the advantages and limitations of several methods used in anatomical investigations of intravisceral blood and lymphatic networks. The microangiographic methods as well as corrosion methods are described. In conclusion the authors confirmed that the most useful way for exploration of the blood and lymphatic vessels is to prepare corrosion casts. This paper focuses on the scanning electron microscopic examination of vascular corrosion casts. This method allows the examination of the three-dimensional organisation of vessels, including the blood and lymphatic capillaries. Imprints of endothelial cell nuclei can be observed on the surface of the blood and lymphatic vessels

Sciatic nerve variations in some studies on the Polish population and its statistical significance

The purpose of the study was to describe and analyse sciatic nerve variation in a relatively small, yet statistically significant, group. Consequently, a comparison of described variation to that known from former studies was performed. Additionally, we estimated the minimum group necessary for a statistical confirmation of hypothetical differences in sciatic nerve topography between the studies