Anatomical Variation and Morphometric Study on Foramen Transversarium of the Upper Cervical Vertebrae in the Thai Population

Chaiyamoon Arada,Yannasithinon Supataechasit,Sae-Jung Surachai,Samrid Rarinthorn,Thongbuakaew Tipsuda,Iamsaard Sitthichai 대한척추외과학회 2021 Asian Spine Journal Vol.15 No.5

Study Design: Foramen transversarium (FT) and foramen arcuale (FA) of upper cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2) in the Thai population were investigated for variation and morphometry. Purpose: This study aimed to reveal the morphometry of FT and FA in the Thai population. Overview of Literature: The FT and FA are structures found in the upper spine that support the vertebral neurovascular system. Clinically, the surgical approaches to achieve upper cervical stability can be affected by spine variations. FT and FA morphometries have been documented to vary by nationality. However, such reports have been limited in the Thai population. Methods: The FT and FA of dried C1 and C2 vertebrae (identified bones; n=107, males=53 and females=54) were observed and measured using a Digital Vernier Caliper (Mitutoyo, Kawasaki, Japan). Anteroposterior (AP) and transverse diameters of the left and right FTs (n=214) were measured and compared between sexes. Variations and types of FT and FA found on the upper vertebrae were recorded and classified. Results: The FT shape of the Thai C1 was AP elliptical, while of that of C2 was transverse elliptical. Compared to females, both diameters of the upper spine were significantly greater in males except for the AP diameter of C2 on the right side. All diameters were significantly different in both sexes and sides except for the AP diameter of C1 and C2. A common type of FT classified in C1 was type 2 (male [69.81%], female [79.63%]) whereas for C2 it was type 1 (male [63.21%], female [59.26%]). Moreover, an incomplete osseous bridge was a major FA subtype observed in the Thai spine. Conclusions: FT morphometry has an elliptical shape and diameters are greater in males. The FT and FA variations identified in this study will be useful for surgeons treating vertebral neurovascular injuries of the posterior upper cervical spine in the Thai population.

Pectorobrachioepicondylaris musculoaponeurotic band: case description with evidence of median nerve compression

Ana Carrera,Arada Chaiyamoon,Francisco Reina,Joe Iwanaga,Aida Cateura,Miguel Angel Reina,José Ramón Sañudo,R. Shane Tubbs 대한해부학회 2023 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.56 No.2

Upper limb muscle variations can be encountered on imaging or at surgery. We report an unusual muscle and bandfound during routine dissection of the arm in a cadaver. This case is described and salient literature reviewed. A band was found that traveled from the insertion of the pectoralis major tendon distally and obliquely toward the medial intermuscular septum and medical epicondyle. Fibers of the brachialis were found to interdigitate into the band. A tunnel was formed that carried the median nerve and brachial vessels. Evidence of median nerve compression was observed. We considered this an example of a pectorobrachioepicondylaris muscle. However, some can lead to clinical presentations. Although the significance of the case reported herein is not certain, signs of median nerve compression were identified. We believe that the term pectorobrachioepicondylaris bests describes the muscle reported herein and that our case represents a previously unreported variant of this muscle.

Buccal gland within the bucinator muscle

Emma R. Lesser,Arada Chaiyamoon,R. Shane Tubbs,Joe Iwanaga 대한해부학회 2024 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.57 No.1

There are major and minor salivary glands that aid in the digestive process. Major glands are discrete and exist in predictable locations; minor salivary glands are more widespread and usually found dispersed in the mucosa of the mouth. Glands have their own contractile abilities, which allow them to secrete products without the assistance of vasculature or skeletal, or smooth muscle. This study will describe a cadaveric histological specimen in which an ectopic buccal gland was embedded within bucinator muscle fibers. Potential causes and explanations for this finding will be discussed, as well.

An unusual arrangement between the highest denticulate ligament and posterior inferior cerebellar artery

Aditi Patel,Johnathan Baudoin,Arada Chaiyamoon,Juan J. Cardona,Ana Carrera,Francisco Reina,Joe Iwanaga,Aaron S. Dumont,R. Shane Tubbs 대한해부학회 2023 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.56 No.3

The posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is often involved in pathologies of the posterior cranialfossa. Therefore, a good understanding of the vessel’s normal and variant courses is important to the neurosurgeon or neurointerventionalist. During the routine microdissection of the craniocervical junction, an unusual arrangement between the highest denticulate ligament and PICA was observed. On the right side, the PICA was given rise to by the V4 segment of the vertebral artery 9 mm after the artery entered the dura mater of the posterior cranial fossa. The artery made an acute turn around the lateral edge of the highest denticulate ligament to then recur 180 degrees and travel medially toward the brainstem. Invasive procedures that target the PICA should be aware of the variant as described herein.

Trabeculae in the basilar venous plexus: anatomical and histological study with application to intravascular procedures

Viktoriya S. Grayson,Mitchell Couldwell,Arada Chaiyamoon,Juan J. Cardona,Francisco Reina,Ana Carrera,Erin P. McCormack,Kendrick Johnson,Sassan Keshavarzi,Joe Iwanaga,Aaron S. Dumont,R. Shane Tubbs 대한해부학회 2023 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.56 No.4

Few studies have examined the basilar venous plexus (BVP) and to our knowledge, no previous study has describedits histology. The present anatomical study was performed to better elucidate these structures. In ten cadavers, the BVP wasdissected. The anatomical and histological evaluation of the intraluminal trabeculae within this sinus were evaluated. Onceall gross measurements were made, the clivus and overlying BVP were harvested and submitted for histological analysis. A BVP was identified in all specimens and in each of these, intraluminal trabeculae were identified. The mean number oftrabeculae per plexus was five. These were most concentrated in the upper half of the clivus and were more often centrallylocated. These septations traveled in a posterior to anterior direction and usually, from inferiorly to superiorly however somewere noted to travel horizontally. In a few specimens the trabeculae had wider bases, especially on the posterior attachmentto the meningeal layer of dura mater. More commonly, the trabeculae ended in a denticulate form at their two terminalends. The trabeculae were on average were 0.85 mm in length. The mean width of the trabeculae was 0.35 mm. Theseseptations were consistent with the cords of Willis as are found in the lumen of some of the other intradural venous sinuses. An understanding of the internal anatomy of the BVP can aid in our understanding of venous pathology. Furthermore, thisknowledge will benefit patients undergoing interventional treatments that involve the BVP.

Histology and immunohistochemistry of the human carotid sinus nerve

Davin Bryant,Erin McCormack,Juan J. Cardona,Arada Chaiyamoon,Devendra Shekhawat,Francisco Reina,Ana Carrera,Joe Iwanaga,Aaron S. Dumont,R. Shane Tubbs 대한해부학회 2023 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.56 No.4

The carotid sinus nerve (CSN) is well known as mediating baroref lexes. However, studies of its detailed histologicalanalysis are scant in the literature. Therefore, the current anatomical study sought to better elucidate the microanatomy of theCSN. Ten fresh frozen adult cadavers underwent dissection of the CSN. Then, it was harvested and submitted for histologicaland immunohistochemical staining. Specimens were all shown to be nerve fibers on histology and immunohistochemistry. We identified tyrosine hydroxylase positive fibers in all CSN specimens. These fibers were always found to be within theCSN and not on its surface i.e., epineurium. Based on our findings, the majority of fibers contained in the CSN are tyrosinepositive in nature. Further studies are necessary to understand the true function of this autonomic nerve fibers.

Innervation of pineal gland by the nervus conarii: a review of this almost forgotten structure

Kion Gregory,Tyler Warner,Juan J. Cardona,Arada Chaiyamoon,Joe Iwanaga,Aaron S. Dumont,R. Shane Tubbs 대한해부학회 2023 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.56 No.3

The nervus conarii provides sympathetic nerve innervation to the pineal gland, which is thought to be the primarytype of stimulus to this gland. This underreported nerve has been mostly studied in animals. One function of the nervus conarii may be to activate pinealocytes to produce melatonin. Others have also found substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide from the nervus conarii ending in the pineal gland. The following paper reviews the extant medical literature on the nervus conarii including its anatomy and potential function.

Gross and radiographic appearance of porotic hyperostosis and cribra orbitalia in thalassemia affected skulls

Amnart Chaichun,Laphatrada Yurasakpong,Athikhun Suwannakhan,Sitthichai Iamsaard,Supatcharee Arun,Arada Chaiyamoon 대한해부학회 2021 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.54 No.2

Porotic hyperostosis (PH) is the expansion of the cranial diploë, generating ‘hair-on-end’ appearance on X-rays. This condition is extremely rare and had a prevalence of 0.08%. It is alternatively known as cribra orbitalia (CO) when the orbital roof is affected. In this study, we describe the gross morphology of two skulls affected by PH and CO. The first skull belonged to a 41-year-old female previously diagnosed with beta thalassemia. The skull was affected by excessive PH and CO. The second skull, belonging to a 35-year-old male diagnosed with unspecified thalassemia, showed PH without CO. The etiology of PH and CO is discussed. In conclusion, PH and CO are extremely rare, and are of significant importance for radiologists and anatomists when interpreting radiographs or encountering unusual gross morphology of the skull.

The laryngopharyngeal nerve: a comprehensive review

Stephen Shapiro,Andrew L. Parker,Juan J. Cardona,Arada Chaiyamoon,Francisco Reina,Ana Carrera,Joe Iwanaga,Aaron S. Dumont,R. Shane Tubbs 대한해부학회 2023 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.56 No.3

The laryngopharyngeal nerve has received much less attention that the other contributions to the pharyngealplexus i.e., glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. Often, in descriptions and depictions, the nerve is simply labeled as thesympathetic contribution to the pharyngeal plexus. As there is such scant information available regarding this nerve, the present review was performed. Very little is found in the extant medical literature regarding the laryngopharyngeal nerve. However, based on available data, the nerve is a consistent contributory to the pharyngeal plexus and serves other adjacentareas e.g., carotid body. Therefore, a better understanding of this structure’s anatomy is important for those who operate inthis area. Further studies are necessary to better elucidate the true function of the laryngopharyngeal nerve.

Incidence and Skeletal Features of Developmental Cervical and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Kasai Yuichi,Paholpak Permsak,Wisanuyotin Taweechok,Sukitthanakornkul Nattharada,Hanarwut Parika,Chaiyamoon Arada,Iamsaard Sitthichai,Mizuno Tetsutaro 대한척추외과학회 2023 Asian Spine Journal Vol.17 No.2

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.Purpose: To report the prevalence and relationship of developmental cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis (DCSS and DLSS) with the bone parameters of the skull and extremities.Overview of Literature: DCSS and DLSS are found occasionally in daily practice. DCSS and DLSS can cause compressive myelopathy, radiculopathy, and cauda equina syndrome; however, data on their prevalence and correlation with skull and skeletal extremity profiles is scarce.Methods: A cross-sectional measurement study of 293 whole-body dried-bone samples was conducted. We measured the anteroposterior (AP) and transverse diameter of the fourth to sixth cervical vertebrae (C4–C6) and third to fifth lumbar vertebrae (L3–L5). Stenosis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine was defined as an AP diameter of <12 mm and <13 mm, respectively. We also measured the skull circumference, the AP and transverse diameters of the foramen magnum, the inner and outer inter distances between the left and right orbital bones, the humerus length, and the femoral length. Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc analyses were used in the statistical analyses.Results: The age was 22–93 years. DCSS was found in 59 (20.1%) and DLSS in 28 (9.6%). Twelve samples had both DCSS and DLSS (development spinal stenosis, DSS). When compared to the “no spinal stenosis sample,” DSS (−), DCSS and DSS had a significantly smaller skull circumference, the transverse diameter of the foramen magnum, and inner and outer distance between the orbital bone (<i>p</i><0.05). There was no significant difference in humeral length, femoral length, or AP diameter of the foramen magnum.Conclusions: DCSS was correlated with a small skull, a small transverse diameter of the foramen magnum, and a small orbital bone. A small skull was strongly associated with a small cervical canal. DLSS, on the other hand, was unrelated to either a small cervical canal or a small skull.