Accuracy of CBCT images in the volumetric assessment of residual root canal filling material: Effect of voxel size

Aims

Our aim was to compare three different voxel sizes of CBCT images for the determination of residual filling material volume in root canals when compared with micro CT.

Material and Methods

Forty-two root canals of 14 extracted human maxillary molar teeth were retreated by using ProFile^® instruments. Images were obtained after retreatment by using ProMax 3D Max CBCT at 3 different voxel sizes (1) High resolution (0.1 mm); (2) High definition (0.15 mm); and (3) Normal resolution (0.2 mm). Two observers measured volumes of residual filling materials in exported CBCT images by means of 3D Doctor Software. Micro CT measurements were served as gold standard. Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon Test were used for the comparison of CBCT and micro CT measurements. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

No statistically differences were found between the two observers for all measurements (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences among different CBCT voxel sizes used (0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, and 0.2 mm) (P > 0.05). The Spearman correlation coefficients between CBCT at different voxel sizes significantly highly correlated with micro CT measurements for each observer (P < 0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between the measurements obtained by the two observers in consideration to root canal location (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

CBCT images may provide useful information in the volumetric assessment of the amount of residual filling material in root canals for retreatment procedures.

Evaluation of hyaluronic matrix efficacy in sinus augmentation: a randomized-controlled histomorphometric and micro-computed tomography analysis

The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the addition of hyaluronic acid-based matrix to collagenated heterologous bone graft for sinus augmentation would enhance bone formation compared to collagenated heterologous bone graft alone in the early healing period, by micro-computed tomography and histomorphometry. Thirteen systemically healthy patients requiring bilateral two-stage maxillary sinus augmentation (residual crest height≤4mm) were enrolled in this split-mouth prospective randomized controlled study. One sinus side as a control group was grafted with only collagenated heterologous bone graft; the other region as a test group was grafted with hyaluronic matrix and collagenated heterologous bone graft. Bone biopsy samples were taken after 4 months during the dental implant surgery and analyzed using micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric parameters. According to the micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric results, a significantly higher percentage of new bone was observed in the test group when compared to the control group after 4 months of healing. This study confirmed the hypothesis that the addition of hyaluronic matrix to collagenated heterologous bone graft for sinus augmentation enhances bone formation compared to collagenated heterologous bone graft alone in the early healing period.

An anatomical study of the origins of the medial circumflex femoral artery in the Turkish population

The medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA) usually branches from the deep femoral artery (DFA). It may also branch from the femoral artery (FA). In this study 100 inguinal regions of 50 cadavers were investigated. In 79 extremities (79%) MCFA branched from DFA, while in 15 (15%) it branched from FA. In four extremities (4%) MCFA was found to be double; in each case one of MCFAs branched from FA and the other from DFA. In one of these four cases the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) was also double. In one case we found a common trunk of DFA and MCFA and in another case a common trunk of MCFA, DFA and LCFA. Clinicians must be familiar with the variations of this clinically important artery to improve their success in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies in the region.

Multiple variations of the deep artery of arm: double deep artery of arm and deep artery of arm with the superior ulnar collateral artery. A case report

Multiple variations of the deep artery of arm were observed during routine gross anatomic dissection of the right upper extremity of a 54-year-old male cadaver. In this case study, a double deep artery of arm and the deep artery of arm with the superior ulnar collateral artery were reported. The anatomic origin of the deep artery of arm is variable. In the literature, a double deep brachialis since its origin is reported in 0.7% and the deep brachial with the superior ulnar collateral artery in 22.3%. Such variations are considered to be occurring during embryologic development. These type of variations are important both in surgical and clinical situations.

Right internal iliac vein joining the left common iliac vein: case report demonstrated by CT angiography

An unusual variation of the iliac veins was detected by computed tomography (CT) angiography in a 35-year-old man. In coronal CT reconstructions, it was shown that the right internal iliac vein of this patient crossed to the left side and drained to the left common iliac vein. This variation is important in retroperitoneal, laparoscopic and orthopedic surgery. We present the CT findings and discuss the embryological origin of this unusual congenital anomaly.

Studies on the location of the mental foramen in Turkish mandibles

The position of the mental foramen was studied in 58 adult Turkish skulls which were divided into two groups according to age. A previously published method was used to determine the position of the mental foramen. The most common position of the mental foramen lies in line with the longitudinal axis passing between the first and second premolars. This result was in accordance with classical textbooks. Another measurement was also performed on the mental foramen in both groups. The distance between the mental foramen and the mandibular symphysis (A) and the distance between the mental foramen and the inferior border of the mandible (B) were measured. There was a significant difference between the two groups in B, but not in A.

Anatomy of the celiac trunk examined by CT imaging of 104 individuals

The diameter, length and emergence level of the celiac trunk is measured with CT angiography in 104 patients who have no shown abnormality in the abdomen. The celiac trunk emerged at T 12 level in 79.8%, at L 1 level in 14.4% and at T 11 level in 3.8% of the patients. The mean length of the celiac artery was 6.69 +/- 1.22 mm in the females and 7.13 +/- 1.18 in the males. The mean diameter of the celiac artery was 2.87 +/- 0.52 cm in the males and 2.75 +/- 0.59 in the females. There was no correlation between the diameter and the length. The values are in accordance with cadaveric studies and can be used as criteria for diagnosis of celiac narrowing and aneurysms.

Quantitative analysis of myelinated axons of commissural fibers in the rat brain

In this study, the myelinated axons of the rostrum, genu, truncus and splenium parts of the corpus callosum and of the anterior, posterior and habenular commissures were counted in the rat brain by using a camera lucida. The numerical densities of these axons were compared with each other by means of quantitative analytical statistical methods. In parts of the corpus callosum, a statistically significant difference was found between the rostrum and genu, rostrum and truncus, rostrum and the splenium, genu and truncus, and the genu and splenium. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the truncus and splenium. When comparing the number of myelinated axons of the anterior, posterior and habenular commissures, statistically significant differences were found between the anterior and posterior commissures, and between the anterior and habenular commissures. No statistically significant difference was found between the posterior and habenular commissures. Small sized myelinated axons were present in all parts of the corpus callosum and in the anterior commissure. However, a heterogeneous distribution of myelinated axons was present in the posterior and habenular commissures.

A unique anomaly of the fibrous sling of the digastric muscle

Anomalies of digastric muscle are not very rare. During a routine dissection, it was found on a cadaver that the digastric muscles on both sides had no fibrous slings. It was also observed that the two intermediate tendons crossed over the stylohyoid muscles. Such anomalies should be considered during the evaluation of the floor of the mouth after CT examination of MR imaging, and during surgical procedures as well.

Three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of the human coccygeal body

The three-dimensional reconstructions of the human coccygeal bodies were undertaken using semi-thin serial sections which were cut from the tissue specimens taken from the ventral parts of the tip of the coccyges of four patients. The coccygeal bodies were observed in the form of convoluted, irregular helical tubes. The diameters of the coccygeal bodies in serial sections were measured and a statistical analysis performed. The lumens of the coccygeal bodies were not observed in the twisted parts of the tissue specimens. Depending upon to the irregular courses of the lumens and their lack of appearances in the twisted areas, we are unable to show the three-dimensional reconstructions of the lumens of the coccygeal bodies. In conclusion, this is the first study reporting the three-dimensional reconstruction of the contours of the coccygeal body. These type of studies, which were done by using serial sections will be very helpful for the understanding of the little known organs of the human body.

Multiple variations in the azygos venous system: a preaortic interazygos vein and the absence of hemiazygos vein

Multiple variations of the azygos venous system were detected during routine dissection. The hemiazygos vein was underdeveloped. On the left side of the thorax, posterior intercostal veins between the 8th and 11th intercostal spaces and the subcostal vein drained into the azygos vein independently. In addition, the posterior 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th intercostal veins united and formed two superior and inferior trunks. The superior common trunk, at the level of the T4 vertebra, crossed the vertebral column obliquely, lying anterior to the aorta and posterior to the esophagus, opening into the azygos vein at the level of the T4 vertebra. The other structures in this part were normal. There were different courses of the azygos vein system. This variation is important in mediastinal surgery and also in the interpretation of radiographs.

Abnormal digastric muscle with unilateral quadrification of the anterior belly

During dissection of the submental region we observed that the anterior belly of the left digastric muscle had four separate insertions. These muscle bands united in a common tendon as they continued with the posterior belly. This is an anatomical variation in the mylohyoid digastric muscle group in the floor of the mouth. When an asymmetry in the floor of the mouth is detected during diagnostic procedures, such as radiologic studies, anomalies of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle should be considered besides other reasons of asymmetry. Additionally, possible occurrence of such anomalies should be remembered during surgical procedures involving the submental region. This unique variation has not been reported in the literature.

Origin of the radial and ulnar arteries: variations in 81 arteriograms

In a retrospective review of 81 upper extremity arteriograms, 8 (9.8%) origin anomalies of the major arteries were detected. High origin of the radial artery from the brachial artery was the most frequent variation, found in 7 (8.6%) cases representing 87.5% of all variations in this series. In one case, the left ulnar artery originated from the axillary artery, accounting for 12.5% of the variations. These anomalous origins of the upper extremity arteries can be explained on the basis of the embryologic development. It is important for the surgeons and radiologists to be aware of the possible arterial variations in order to prevent complications during surgical and diagnostic procedures.

A study of variations of transverse foramens of cervical vertebras in human: accessory foramina in shape and number

Transverse foramens of 250 cervical vertebras were examined. There were accessory foramina and variations in shape and number in 10 out of 250 cervical vertebras. Since such a variation of foramens, through which the vertebral artery passes, has not been detected in the literature, these ten cases are to be considered.

Frequency of cavum veli interpositi in non-psychotic population: a magnetic resonance imaging study

This prospective MRI investigation was performed to determine the incidences of the cavum veli interpositi (CVI) in 505 (242 Male, 263 Female) non-psychotic persons. The mean age of the population was 39,179 +/- 0,904 (40,461 +/- 1,395 Male, 38 +/- 1,166 Female). There was no significant difference between the means of age in male and female groups (t-test, DF=479, p>0,05). The incidences of the CVI were 5.77%, 1.89%, 5.66%, 8.24%, 5%, 4.55%, 7.94%, 3.03% for age group of 0-9, 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 respectively. There was no significant difference between the incidences of the CVI in age-groups (chi(2)=3.804, DF=7, p>0.05). The incidences of the CVI were 5.54%, 6.61%, 4.56% for whole, male, and female populations respectively. There was no significant difference between the incidences of the CVI in both sexes (chi(2)=1.01, DF=1, p>0.05).

A bilateral location anomaly of the parotid gland (case report)

During an anatomic dissection of the parotid region inferiorly located parotid glands were noted on both sides. Because within the glands lies the external carotid artery, retromandibular vein and the facial nerve, surgeons should have detailed knowledge of the anatomy of this region and possible variations to avoid risk of damaging, especially the facial nerve. Also the unusual location of the gland may be confused with pseudomass during CT or MRI.

A connecting branch between the musculocutaneous nerve and the median nerve

We report here a connecting branch between the musculocutaneous and the median nerves in a 42 years old male cadaver. The connecting branch was 8 cm in length and 3 mm in width. One of the brachial veins and the brachial artery were located between the roots of the median nerve and the second brachial vein was present between the connecting branch and the median nerve. These kinds of variations may effect the venous return and may cause edema in the upper extremities. Additionally, variations of these nerves have an importance during operations of this region.

Ultrastructure of the lens epithelium in Alport's syndrome

The ultrastructure of the lens epithelium in Alport's syndrome was studied. In a transmission electron-microscopic examination, a large number of tonofilaments, swollen mitochondria, a dilated Golgi complex, a dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum with electron-dense (osmiophilic) material in some of these irregular structures and myelin figures were observed. Most of the cells had regularly shaped and only a few of them irregularly shaped nuclei. Additionally, polymorphism and marked degeneration in the transitional zone were observed in the scanning electron-microscopic examination of the lens epithelium. After the transitional zone, there were no epithelial cells present under the lens capsule, an observation that has never been reported in the literature.

Unreported anatomical variation of septum pellucidum

During gross anatomy dissections of the brain, a developmental abnormality of the septum pellucidum was found in a 31-year-old male cadaver. Other parts of the central nervous system in this cadaver were normal in every aspect. Histological samples were taken from the neighboring areas of this abnormality, and they were examined under light microscope and scanning electron microscope. In this abnormality of the septum pellucidum, the two laminae of the septum pellucidum were fused together and there was a hole located 1 cm anterior to its apex. The maximum diameter of the hole was 0.5 cm in the sagittal plane and 0.6 cm in the vertical plane. In the light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic examinations, the free margin of this foramen was regular, and the surrounding tissue was intact and histologically unique to the septum pellucidum. Ependymal cells were present at the free margin of the foramen. Cavum vergae, cavum septum pellucidum, and agenesis of the septum pellucidum are described in the literature. These three abnormalities are seen in cadavers usually with histories of schizophrenia and other psychiatric or neurologic disorders. In a retrospective study, the cadaver with this abnormality had a history of schizophrenia and no history or signs of any kind of brain or head operation. As far as we could ascertain, the abnormality described here has not been reported previously.

An anomalous ascending cervical artery

During gross anatomy dissection of the neck region, an anatomical variation of the ascending cervical artery was detected. Normally this artery is a branch of the inferior thyroid artery, which is a branch of the thyrocervical trunk. In our case, we found that the ascending cervical artery emerged from the superficial cervical artery, nearly 1 cm. lateral to the origin of this artery from the thyrocervical trunk.

Comparative study between corpus cavernosum-electromyography findings and electron microscopy of cavernosal muscle biopsies in erectile dysfunction patients

BACKGROUND

Biopsy and electrical activity recordings of the corpus cavernosum are 2 new diagnostic methods for the evaluation of impotent men. We evaluated the corpus cavernosum ultrastructure and electromyography (EMG) recordings from patients with erectile dysfunction.

METHODS

Twenty erectile dysfunction patients with veno-occlusive dysfunction underwent a detailed history, physical examination, biochemical tests, hormonal analysis, injection of an intracavernous vasoactive agent (60 mg papaverine-HCl), color penile Doppler ultrasonography, cavernosometry/ cavernosography and corpus cavernosum electromyography (CC-EMG). Thirteen patients underwent total vein ligation and 7 had penile prosthesis implantations. Tissue samples were obtained during surgery from both corpora cavernosa and examined by transmission electron microscopy. Control corporal tissue samples were taken from 3 cadavers.

RESULTS

In 15 patients, CC-EMG recordings were 15.6 +/- 0.65 microV in the flaccid state, which decreased in 13 patients after papaverine (5.61 +/- 0.25 microV; P < 0.001). Five patients with diabetes mellitus had low amplitudes in the flaccid state (5.26 +/- 0.45 microV), which did not vary significantly after a papaverine injection (4.99 +/- 0.75 microV). The pathology of the corpus cavernosum biopsy specimens revealed a smooth muscle cell thickened basal membrane, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, and increased numbers of fibroblasts, but ultrastructurally normal endothelial cells lining the sinusoids. There was no difference between samples from diabetic or nondiabetic patients, or from either side of the corpora cavernosa. The only pathologic change observed in the controls was mitochondrial swelling.

CONCLUSION

CC-EMG is less invasive and a valuable method in patients with erectile dysfunction, whereas no specific findings were observed from penile biopsy specimens.

Ultrastructure of the cornea epithelium in keratoconus

In this study, 20 keratoconus corneal tissue were examined. In TEM examination of the cornea, the epithelium was irregular in thickness. In these epithelial cells, the number of microvilli were decreased and they showed an irregular arrangement. Vesicular degeneration and swelling of the mitochondria were observed in the cytoplasm of these cells. Interepithelial relation was normal and the desmosomes did not show any pathology. In the electron microscopic examination of the stroma, focal degeneration was observed in the collagen fibers. In SEM examination of the cornea, depressions and elevations were found on the epithelial surface. Additionally, degenerated epithelial cells were observed on focal areas. To our knowledge, the decreased number of microvilli and their irregular arrangement which we observed in TEM examination of the cornea epithelium were not reported in the literature.

Electron microscopy of the senile changes in lens epithelium

Lens epithelia obtained from 37 patients who had undergone cataract surgery operation were examined by using transmission electron microscope. Their ages varied between 60-79 years and mean age was 70.2 years. Additionally, the lens epithelia of 14 patients, which were obtained in the same way were examined by using scanning electron microscope. Their ages varied between 58-78 years and mean age 70.7 years. In transmission electron microscopy, the normal appearing epithelial cells were intermingled with abnormals and the abnormal cells increased in number and in degree of abnormality with aging. The three dimensional structure of the interdigitating interlocking processes of lens cuboidal cells were visualised by using scanning electron microscope.

An accessory fissure in the lower lobe of the right lung

We report here an accessory fissure in the right lung. Accessory fissures are described as clefts of various depths lined by two layers of visceral pleura. Anomalies of location of the lungs may be produced by the accessory fissures. In our case, an unusual accessory fissure in the right lung was found in a 50 years old male cadaver. The accessory fissure was located between the superior and basal segments of the lower lobe of the right lung. Its depth was around 3 cm as an average value. Its length was found to be 12 cm on the surface of the lung. In conclusion, a surgeon must always remember the anatomical variations of the location of the lungs especially in lobectomies and in segmental resection. From the radiological aspect, an accessory fissure is important in that it can be mistaken for lung pathologies.

An anatomic variation of the stylomastoid foramen

During the examination of cranial bones, we observed an abnormality in one of the right temporal bones. In this variation, the stylomastoid foramen was not completely formed on the temporal bone and instead of a foramen, there was a sulcus in its localization on the bone. The articulation with the occipital bone transformed this sulcus into a foramen. This variation was not reported in the literature.

A scapula with an unreported canal

During the practical lectures in our department, we encountered an abnormality on the left scapula of an adult human. In this case, an elongated canal was found just posterior and inferior to the coracoid process and the scapular notch was not observed on this bone. Knowing about the anatomic variations of this region may have an importance for the surgeons.

Bilateral anomaly of the semispinalis capitis muscle

Bilateral variation of the semispinalis capitis muscle in a 48 year old male cadaver was encountered during routine dissectionin our department. A review of the literature reveals no additional reports of similar anomalies.

Bitendinous palmaris longus muscle

The palmaris longus is one of the most variable muscles and this should be considered in surgery of the wrist where good orientation is essential. This short note describes an unusual variant which was discovered by Hacettepe University medical students, during routine dissection of the upper limb. Since the palmaris longus provides a very useful graft in tendon surgery, the surgeon should be fully aware of its anatomical variation.

High brachial artery bifurcation: a report of 2 cases

High division of the brachial artery was observed in two cadavers, during routine dissection of upper extremities. In the first case, the brachial artery of the right upper extremity was divided into its two terminal branches immediately after passing between the lateral and medial roots of the median nerve and just below the origin of the profunda brachii artery. The lateral branch was the radial artery, located in the space normally occupied by the brachial artery and the medial one was the ulnar artery. In the second case, the brachial artery was divided into its two terminal branches just below the origin of the profunda brachii artery. Accurate knowledge of the relationships and course of these major arterial conduits and particularly of their variational patterns, is of considerable practical importance in the conduct of reperative surgery in the arm, forearm and hand.

An anomalous course of the interazygos vein

During an anatomic dissection of the posterior mediastinum, an unusual course of the interazygos v. was noted. The hemiazygos v. ascended to the 8th thoracic vertebra, in front of the vertebral column. It left the column, ascending obliquely, and passing in front of the aorta and behind the oesophagus. This transverse segment, crossing the midline, is called the interazygos v. It may be confused with different lesions situated at this level: aneurysm, tumour or lymph node hypertrophy, during CT or MRI studies. Secondly, the surgeon must be aware of this azygos variation as a possible cause of haemorrhage during a procedure in this region.

An unusual origin for the accessory head of biceps brachii muscle

During the superficial dissection of the pectoral region and the arm, an abnormal biceps brachii muscle was observed unilaterally. This muscle had three heads. Whereas the short and long heads had their normal origin, the accessory head originated from the anterior surface of the distal part of the pectoralis major muscle, which formed the anterior axillary fold. To our knowledge, this variation has not been previously described. Innervation and vascular supply of this accessory head was from the musculocutaneous nerve and the brachial artery, respectively.

A variation of the median nerve at the level of brachial plexus

We report a variation of the median nerve at the level of brachial plexus in a 38 years old male cadaver. The median nerve was formed by the fusion of three branches; two of them coming from the lateral cord, and one from the medial cord. The abnormal root coming from the lateral cord had a very close oblique course over the axillary artery. These kinds of variations are more prone to injury in radical neck dissections and in other surgical operations of the axilla. Secondly, the very close course of the unusual branch with the axillary artery may lessen the blood supply of the upper extremity by compressing the vessel.

CT measurement of the normal brain ventricular system in 100 adults

Examination of 100 voluntary cases with no physical or neurological deficit revealed that the sizes of the cerebral ventricles increase with age in both sexes. According to regression analysis in women, increase in the size of the third ventricle by age was statistically significant. Compared to women, the size of the third ventricle was larger in men. In the measurements of the lateral ventricles, it was observed that bifrontal the cerebroventricular index in men and the bicaudal cerebroventricular index in women increase significantly with age. The indices showed no significant difference between the two sexes.

An important anatomic variation in head and neck region: anomaly of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle

Anomalies of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle are not very rare. An anomaly in this region may have clinical significances. In this study, bilateral anomalies of the anterior bellies of both digastric muscles are presented. When an asymmetry in the floor of the mouth is detected during diagnostic procedures like radiologic studies, anomalies of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle should also be considered besides other reasons of asymmetry. Additionally, possible occurrence of this kind of anomalies should be remembered during surgical procedure involving this region.

Proximal origins of radial and common interosseous arteries

The radial artery, which arises normally from the brachial artery at the level of the neck of the radius, was derived directly from the axillary artery about 25 cm proximal to the humeral intercondylar line. We had also observed a high origin of the common interosseous artery in the same extremity. The common interosseous artery, a short branch of the ulnar which normally arises in the distal part of the cubital fossa, originated at the level of the humeral intercondylar line from the brachial artery in our cadaver.

Anomalous insertion of abductor pollicus longus: case report

An unusual insertion of abductor pollicus longus, mainly onto the scaphoid bone, was encountered during routine dissection. This appears to be a unique observation.

An abnormal digastric muscle with three bellies

During the gross anatomy dissection of the submental region, an anatomical variation of the right digastric muscle was found. This muscle had three bellies. Whereas the anterior and posterior bellies had their normal origin and course and were joined by an intermediate tendon, the accessory anterior belly originated from the digastric fossa and a thin tendon together with the anterior belly was inserted onto the hyoid bone. This kind of variation can easily be confused with pathological conditions. For this reason, knowledge of the muscular anatomy and variations of the floor of the mouth is helpful when evaluating the base of the skull with CT and MR imaging.

Labelling of neurons in the rat superior cervical ganglion after injection of wheat-germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase into the contralateral ganglion: evidence of transneuronal labelling

Recent studies have shown that injection of the tracer wheat-germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) into the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) of one side results in labelling of neurons in the contralateral SCG and the stellate ganglion. This study was designed to verify whether or not bilateral projections from the superior cervical ganglion to the midline structures, particularly to the pineal gland, play a role in the transport of WGA-HRP to the contralateral SCG. One group of rats received WGA-HRP injection into the right SCG (group I). Four groups of rats underwent the following operations prior to the injection of WGA-HRP into the right superior cervical ganglion: transection of the external carotid nerve (group II), transection of the internal carotid nerve (group III), transection of the external carotid nerve combined with pinealectomy (group IV), transection of both the internal and the external carotid nerves (group V). The mean number of labelled neurons in the left SCG of each group were found as follows: group I, 1516 +/- 221 (mean +/- S.D.); group II, 861 +/- 122; group III, 543 +/- 99; group IV, 562 +/- 144; group V, 220 +/- 52. The results of this study suggest that the contralateral labelling depends on the transneuronal transport of WGA-HRP through the terminal fields of innervation of the midline structures that receive bilateral projections from both SCGs.

Arteria thyroidea ima arising from the brachiocephalic trunk with bilateral absence of inferior thyroid arteries: a case report

The anomalous first parts of the left and right subclavian aa. had no inferior thyroid aa. in the neck region. The thyroidea ima a. was found to arise from the brachiocephalic trunk, and bifurcated into two branches almost immediately after its origin. These branches ascended in front of the trachea and entered the bases of the right and left lobes of the thyroid gland. The left vertebral a. arose from the aortic arch in the superior mediastinum. The possible existence of this anomaly is important for parathyroid localization studies, in neck surgery and especially in tracheostomy.

An anatomic variation of the deltoid muscle (case report)

A bilateral anomaly of deltoid muscles was found in cadaver dissection of a middle aged male. Posterior part of the muscle was enclosed with a separate fascial sheath. There was no concomitant muscular anomaly in any part of the body.

Ligamentum teres hepatis: an unusual variation

We report a variation of the ligamentum teres hepatis in 45 year old male cadaver. The ligamentum teres hepatis was found between the layers of the rectus sheath. A review of the literature reveals no additional reports of similar anomaly. There was also a variation in the form of the liver.

An unusual insertion of the palmaris longus muscle

In the course of an anatomical dissection at the School of Medicine, a variant form of the palmaris longus muscle was found on the right side; the fellow muscle of the left side being normal. The palmaris longus concerned was found to arise by fleshy fibers from the common tendon for the flexores antebrachii muscles to be divided into a lateral and a medial tendon. The lateral tendon of the muscle was inserted onto the thenar fascia and the scaphoid bone while the medial tendon was being inserted onto the hypothenar fascia and the triquentral bone.

Somatotopic organization of the axons innervating the superior rectus muscle in the oculomotor nerve of the rat

It has long been known that the pupillomotor fibers have a localized course in the dorsomedial periphery through the subarachnoid portion of the oculomotor nerve. However we do not have detailed knowledge about the organization of the fibers innervating individual extraocular muscles. This subject is of clinical importance for locating the site of lesions in patients with partial oculomotor nerve palsies. In this study the peripheral course of the axons innervating the superior rectus muscle were studied in the subarachnoid portion of the oculomotor nerve of the rat by making multiple injections of horseradish peroxidase solution into the muscle and reacting the nerve with tetramethylbenzidine as a chromogen. Coronal sections of the nerve showed that the axons innervating the superior rectus muscle were localized in the dorsal part of the nerve. Within the precavernous portion these axons showed a wider distribution invading dorsomedial and dorsolateral parts of the nerve.