Clin Anat [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Capsular Contributions to Hip Joint Stability: Clinical Anatomy and Implications for Surgical Management.
Lu Y, Cabarcas B, Ahmad RA … +5 more , Kelly JJ, Lachman N, Nho S, Krych AJ, Hevesi M
Clin Anat · 2026 Jul · PMID 42400381 · Publisher ↗
The hip capsule is a dense, fibrous structure that plays a crucial role in providing hip stability. Its biomechanical function is tied to its complex anatomy, which includes the iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemora...
The hip capsule is a dense, fibrous structure that plays a crucial role in providing hip stability. Its biomechanical function is tied to its complex anatomy, which includes the iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments, along with the circumferential fibers of the zona orbicularis. Anatomic and biomechanical studies with advanced imaging and arthroscopic techniques have provided better understanding of the capsular morphology and its contribution to hip stability. Additionally, these studies provide insight into how capsulotomy and subsequent capsular management at the time of hip arthroscopy can potentially influence postoperative outcomes. Growing clinical evidence supports capsular preservation and repair at the time of primary hip arthroscopy and demonstrates the potential negative outcomes of capsular deficiency, such as pain, dysfunction, and instability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the gross, arthroscopic, radiologic, and biomechanical anatomy of the hip capsule.
Anatomical Fidelity in Text-to-Image Generative AI: A Comparative Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation.
Albadawi EA, Embaby EM, AlQumaizi KI … +3 more , Elsaid MAE, Dawood AF, Eldesoqui M
Clin Anat · 2026 Jul · PMID 42400299 · Publisher ↗
Traditional anatomical resources like cadaveric dissection and professional atlases are the gold standard, but face constraints in cost and accessibility. The rapid integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI)...
Traditional anatomical resources like cadaveric dissection and professional atlases are the gold standard, but face constraints in cost and accessibility. The rapid integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in medical education offers new possibilities for custom anatomical illustration. Text-to-image AI generators provide an inexpensive and swift alternative for medical illustration. However, the anatomical fidelity and educational reliability of these models remain insufficiently validated. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of four prominent AI image generators in producing anatomically correct illustrations of the human heart, kidney, and brain. Four AI platforms-Copilot, Microsoft Designer, Gemini, and Freepik-were prompted to generate high-resolution, textbook-style illustrations of the heart (sternocostal view), kidney (coronal cross-section), and brain (lateral view). A total of 12 selected images were evaluated by a radiologist and two anatomists utilizing a structured 5-point Likert scale across five domains: textural realism, topological validity, morphometric accuracy, perspective and depth perception, and educational utility. Significant variability in performance was observed across platforms. Gemini consistently demonstrated superior performance, achieving perfect intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the highest ratings on complex topological tasks, including the representation of coronary vasculature and cortical sulci/gyri. Copilot showed high spatial accuracy in renal hilum organization. While all platforms showed high reliability and accuracy across broad morphological shapes (aortic arch, cerebral poles), accuracy declined sharply as anatomical complexity increased. AI-generated anatomical illustrations currently vary from medically indistinguishable to biologically impossible. While Gemini and Copilot show promise for supplemental educational use, the high frequency of hallucinated anatomical details in other platforms poses a risk for medical misinformation. The study underscores the necessity for expert supervision and for developing AI models trained on curated, peer-reviewed medical datasets.
The Pterygopalatine Ganglion Within the Pterygopalatine Fossa: Quantitative Topography and Implications for Posteriorly Directed Percutaneous Access.
Barbieri IP, Flores JC, González DL … +5 more , Lofredo A, Iwanaga J, Boezaart AP, Reina MA, Buchholz B
Clin Anat · 2026 Jul · PMID 42397044 · Publisher ↗
A detailed understanding of the anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is essential for performing radiofrequency, anesthetic blockade, and neuromodulation procedures targeting the pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG). Thi...
A detailed understanding of the anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is essential for performing radiofrequency, anesthetic blockade, and neuromodulation procedures targeting the pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG). This study aimed to characterize the spatial relationships among the PPG, the walls of the PPF, and the maxillary artery and its branches, and to identify safer access pathways. Twenty-two PPFs from 11 adult human cadaveric heads were dissected. Precise morphometric measurements of the PPG and surrounding neurovascular structures were obtained, with particular emphasis on their relationships to the PPF walls. The PPG was consistently located near the posterior wall [0.8 mm (0.6-1.1)] and the superior wall [1.4 mm (1.0-1.9)], and at progressively greater distances from the medial [2.1 mm (1.8-2.7)] and anterior walls [2.7 mm (1.7-3.1)]. The maxillary artery and its main branches occupied the anterior half of the PPF and were closely related to the anterior wall. In most specimens, the pharyngeal and Vidian arteries coursed anteroposteriorly within the fossa, frequently in close relationship with the PPG. Consistent with previous anatomical descriptions, the PPF comprises an anterior predominantly vascular compartment and a posterior predominantly neural compartment. In the present study, the posterior compartment consistently contained the PPG in a superomedial position and, in most cases, exhibited a relatively avascular corridor extending toward the infratemporal fossa, now quantitatively defined relative to the PPG and surrounding vascular structures. These findings provide anatomical support for posteriorly directed trajectories used in percutaneous infrazygomatic and suprazygomatic approaches, in which advancement along the posterior wall may allow access to the PPG while minimizing the risk of vascular injury.
External Acoustic Meatus Approach for Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Temporomandibular Joint: An Anatomical Validation and Proof-of-Concept Study.
Alberti R, Astudillo-Rozas W, Iwanaga J … +8 more , Castellani A, Paganelli C, Rufes TD, Eroles XG, Ferrari L, Valdivia-Gandur I, Tallón-Walton V, Cespedes MCM
Clin Anat · 2026 Jul · PMID 42396680 · Publisher ↗
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) represent a public health problem, affecting 31% of adults and the elderly and 11% of children and adolescents. Interest is growing in using ultrasound to evaluate the temporomandibular...
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) represent a public health problem, affecting 31% of adults and the elderly and 11% of children and adolescents. Interest is growing in using ultrasound to evaluate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). However, researchers need to standardize a reliable method. Further studies are required to provide anatomical validation. We aim to evaluate a new ultrasound approach, with anatomical validation and proof of concept, to determine whether it is technically feasible to visualize the temporomandibular joint. This two-phase anatomical validation and proof-of-concept study included six fixed cadaveric head specimens and three healthy volunteers. Four cadaveric specimens were dissected, and two were sectioned to evaluate the potential efficacy of the new access route for ultrasound examination of the TMJ. Subsequently, a proof-of-concept study was conducted on three volunteer patients to evaluate different probes designed to obtain ultrasound images of the TMJ. The anatomical results reveal TMJ-related structures that interfere with the extraoral ultrasound approach. Cross-sectional images assess the distances and relationships between the articular bone surfaces of the TMJ and the structures of the external acoustic meatus. Ultrasound through the cartilaginous portion of the external acoustic meatus allowed visualization of the articular surfaces of the TMJ. This approach enabled measurement of the distance between the articular bone surfaces and tracking of the complete path of the condyle during mouth opening and closing. The main contribution of this study is anatomical: it identifies and validates a clinically relevant access route that can expand the anatomical basis of TMJ ultrasound. Larger studies, including reference images, reproducibility analyses, and symptomatic cohorts, are required before diagnostic applications can be established.
Variant Anatomy Literacy as a Patient-Safety Competency in Surgical Training: A Title-Informed Conceptual Review and Competency Framework.
Sanchis-Gimeno JA, Zuld AB, Orellana-Donoso M … +2 more , Valenzuela-Fuenzalida JJ, Granite G
Clin Anat · 2026 Jul · PMID 42383532 · Publisher ↗
Surgical safety depends on recognition of patient-specific anatomy when encountered structures depart from population norms. Knowledge of anatomical variations is often treated as supplemental rather than as a safety-rel...
Surgical safety depends on recognition of patient-specific anatomy when encountered structures depart from population norms. Knowledge of anatomical variations is often treated as supplemental rather than as a safety-relevant necessity. This article aims to translate a title-informed map of literature on anatomical variation, surgical education, and patient safety into a practical competency framework for surgical training. A targeted, title-informed conceptual review was conducted in March 2026. PubMed was searched using anatomical-variation terms combined with surgery, education, patient safety, curriculum, assessment, simulation, reporting, and competency terms. PubMed Central, publisher pages, DOI landing pages, and cross-indexed scholarly sources were used for retrieval and verification. Titles and formal source descriptions were screened for signals linking anatomical variation with clinical risk, surgical error, curriculum, assessment, terminology, reporting, visualization, simulation, patient safety, or competency-based education. This method was designed for conceptual synthesis rather than prevalence estimation, effect-size analysis, or a complete evidence map. Six recurrent framings were identified: anatomical variation as a clinical hazard, curriculum and assessment gap, terminology and reporting problem, visualization and simulation challenge, team-communication and systems issue, and competency-based training target. These framings support defining variant anatomy literacy as the capability to anticipate, identify, interpret, adapt to, communicate, document and learn from clinically consequential anatomical variation before, during and after operative care. Surgical curricula should move beyond recall of rare variants and assess observable safety behavior under anatomical uncertainty. Practical implementation can integrate patient-specific imaging, donor contrast, simulation, operative observation, briefing and debriefing, operative-note audit, and morbidity-and-mortality learning.
Towards Convergence: Evidence for the Fascia System as a Body-Wide Continuum.
Nemetz LD, Theise ND, Stecco C … +4 more , Langevin H, Schleip R, Stecco A, Pratt RL
Clin Anat · 2026 Jul · PMID 42383486 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Fractal Complexity of the Circle of Willis Links Circulating Microparticles to Silent Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.
Hein ZM, Che Mohd Nassir CMN
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42365442 · Publisher ↗
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a leading cause of vascular cognitive impairment, yet its earliest stages remain clinically silent and poorly detected. Although white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are widely use...
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a leading cause of vascular cognitive impairment, yet its earliest stages remain clinically silent and poorly detected. Although white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are widely used neuroimaging markers, conventional cardiovascular risk scores and cognitive testing lack sensitivity to subclinical cerebrovascular injury. This study investigated whether circulating microparticles (MPs) and fractal analysis of the Circle of Willis (CoW), reflecting cerebrovascular network-hemodynamic complexity, could provide an early, mechanistically informative marker of silent CSVD. Sixty asymptomatic adults with low-to-moderate cardio-cerebrovascular risk (QRISK3) underwent 3 T MRI, cognitive testing, and circulating MPs profiling. Cerebrovascular fractal dimension of the CoW (Df [W]) was computed from 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography. Multivariable regression, mediation analysis (10,000 bootstraps), and ROC analyses were performed. Reduced D (W) was strongly associated with greater WMHs burden (p < 0.001) and significantly outperformed QRISK3 and MPs in discriminating WMHs (AUC = 0.928 vs. ~0.75). Leukocyte-derived (CD62L) and platelet-derived (CD62P) MPs were elevated in participants with WMHs and correlated with both WMHs burden and D (W), but lost independent significance after adjustment for WMHs, indicating upstream systemic vascular injury. Mediation analysis confirmed that MPs influenced WMHs' burden primarily through their effect on cerebrovascular D (W). A combined biological-imaging model integrating MPs and D (W) achieved near-perfect diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.952). Despite marked vascular and microstructural abnormalities, neurocognitive performance was preserved, with only a weak association between processing speed and D (W), consistent with network reserve in early CSVD. Thus, cerebrovascular fractal complexity may capture the structural imprint of cumulative vascular injury and enable biologically grounded detection of preclinical CSVD.
The Permissible Use of the Pernkopf Atlas: A Single-Case Qualitative Study of the Vienna Protocol.
Hurst DJ, D'Antoni AV
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42363942 · Publisher ↗
This qualitative instrumental case study examines the ethical considerations surrounding the infamous Nazi-era Pernkopf Atlas through an in-depth interview with Rabbi Joseph Polak, the primary drafter of the Vienna Proto...
This qualitative instrumental case study examines the ethical considerations surrounding the infamous Nazi-era Pernkopf Atlas through an in-depth interview with Rabbi Joseph Polak, the primary drafter of the Vienna Protocol. Created using the bodies of Nazi victims, the Atlas presents a major moral dilemma for contemporary medical and surgical practice. The analysis identified five key interpretive domains: (i) the moral paradox of tainted greatness, (ii) the intrinsic dignity and consequentiality of human life, (iii) the Protocol as ethical mediation rather than resolution, (iv) the duty of historical witnessing, and (v) conditional ethical responsibility. The findings reveal that while the Jewish principle of piku'ah nefesh (preserving life) may permit the Atlas's exceptional clinical use, it demands strict disclosure and restricted access rather than silent normalization. Ultimately, the Vienna Protocol provides a model for confronting ethically compromised scientific knowledge, ensuring its clinical utility is never separated from its historical cost.
Methodological Considerations in Evaluating Large Language Models for Anatomy Education.
Sivri I, Ozden FM, Gul G … +2 more , Kaygin E, Colak T
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42363902 · Publisher ↗
Recent studies evaluating large language models (LLMs) in anatomy and medical education have provided valuable evidence regarding their potential role in examination-based knowledge assessment, clinical education, and he...
Recent studies evaluating large language models (LLMs) in anatomy and medical education have provided valuable evidence regarding their potential role in examination-based knowledge assessment, clinical education, and healthcare-related decision support. Assessing large language models with non-English anatomy questions is important, given the predominance of English-language datasets in the current literature. However, comparative LLM studies also raise broader methodological concerns that may affect reproducibility, fairness, and interpretation. In this letter, we highlight three major categories of methodological factors to consider in future LLM evaluation studies: technical factors, session-related factors, and experimental design factors. Technical factors include model version, interface type, access date, browser, device, operating system, internet connection, and timing method. Session-related factors include memory, personalization, chat history, custom instructions, and the use of sequential versus independent testing sessions. Experimental design factors include dataset source, question selection, exact prompt wording, input language, response format, number of attempts, question order, scoring procedures, expert evaluation, and inter-rater agreement. We suggest that future LLM comparison studies in anatomy, education, and clinical fields should provide detailed methodological reporting and align with emerging frameworks such as TRIPOD-LLM, CONSORT-AI, and MI-CLEAR-LLM. Improved transparency in these areas will strengthen reproducibility and comparability across studies.
Donor-To-Recipient Mean Axonal Count Ratios of Upper Limb Nerves Used in Nerve Transfer Surgery: A Systematic Review of Histomorphometric Cadaveric Studies.
Ng SJ, Morgan-Young R, Laing A … +2 more , Molden R, Thomson S
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42333715 · Publisher ↗
Nerve transfer surgery may be performed to restore sensorimotor function following peripheral nerve trauma or dysfunction. There is biological plausibility and limited correlative evidence that donor-to-recipient axon co...
Nerve transfer surgery may be performed to restore sensorimotor function following peripheral nerve trauma or dysfunction. There is biological plausibility and limited correlative evidence that donor-to-recipient axon count ratios may impact functional outcomes. Collating anatomical studies that report mean axonal count ratios could guide surgical practice. This systematic review aimed to collate anatomical studies reporting mean axonal counts (MAC) of nerve branches used in upper limb nerve transfer surgery, and calculate MAC ratios for donor-to-recipient nerves and pooled MAC ratios between studies. PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were screened for cadaveric studies. For included studies, the donor-to-recipient mean axon ratio was calculated for pairs of nerves suitable for transfer, and ratios were calculated between studies. Methodological heterogeneity precluded metaanalysis. The search yielded 299 results. These were screened to include 54 studies. Mean axonal counts were reported for a total of 225 nerves. Donor-to-recipient axonal ratios were calculated, and stratified into most clinically relevant recipient transfer options; that may be used to inform selection of successful donor nerve options. This is the first comprehensive review of mean axonal count ratios. The collated information regarding MAC ratios could support surgeons in selecting the appropriate donor nerves for upper limb nerve transfer surgery.
AI Educational Engagement Patterns and Their Association With Attitudes Toward AI Integration in Anatomical Science Education: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Hamarsheh D, Boyajian SD, Lafee M … +8 more , Ashour L, Elmegarhi SS, ALSalamat HA, Alzyoud K, Alsharayri M, Samara R, Mohammad AK, Sanna A
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42306906 · Publisher ↗
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being increasingly integrated into education. Our study aims to explore the association between medical students' learning patterns and their attitudes toward AI-integrated teaching in ana...
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being increasingly integrated into education. Our study aims to explore the association between medical students' learning patterns and their attitudes toward AI-integrated teaching in anatomical sciences. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate second to sixth year medical students from a single accredited medical program (MD) at Al-Balqa Applied University in Jordan. A questionnaire comprising three domains: demographics, students' attitudes, and perceived limitations was distributed through institutional emails and student communication platforms. Data were collected between September and November 2025. Three hundred sixty-eight students participated in the study. Chatbots were the most frequently used AI tool (73.9%), on the other hand, lecture slides were the main study resource (91.9%). The median scores for perceived limitation of AI use were (IQR: 26-33) 29 and (IQR: 24-29) 27, respectively. Students using 3D/VR models or AI tools demonstrated significantly more positive attitudes toward AI (p < 0.001). In adjusted analysis, higher perceived limitations and male gender were correlated with less positive attitudes, however, the use of 3D/VR models, AI tools, and higher GPA predicted more positive attitudes. Medical students who preferred using AI tools for learning generally had a better overall experience in AI-incorporated anatomy education. In contrast, students who depended mainly on traditional textbooks found AI integration more limiting. Offering students institutional guidance and exposure to AI is key to helping them use a fundamentally practical tool.
The Evolving Role of Clinical Anatomy: From Definition to Contribution.
Iwanaga J, Spinner RJ, Bubb K … +5 more , D'Antoni AV, Tabira Y, Khalil MK, Loukas M, Tubbs RS
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42283378 · Publisher ↗
The term "clinical anatomy" is widely used in education and research, yet its conceptual boundaries continue to be interpreted in various ways. Prior consensus-based efforts have emphasized integration, collaboration, an...
The term "clinical anatomy" is widely used in education and research, yet its conceptual boundaries continue to be interpreted in various ways. Prior consensus-based efforts have emphasized integration, collaboration, and clinical relevance as central features of the field and have provided an important foundation for interdisciplinary engagement. At the same time, ongoing changes in academic structure, medical education, and interdisciplinary biomedical science raise important questions regarding how clinical anatomy can sustain its scientific identity and long-term relevance. Building upon prior discussions, this article argues that the continued maturation of clinical anatomy depends on the integration of conceptual frameworks with the sustained production of rigorous, reproducible, and clinically meaningful scholarly contributions. Historical and contemporary examples alike demonstrate that the influence of clinical anatomy has been shaped through contributions that directly advanced clinical science and practice. Accordingly, continued emphasis on methodological rigor, reproducibility, clinically meaningful contribution, and educational accountability may be essential to the field's future development and relevance.
Histological and Tissue-Level Outcomes of Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Systematic Review.
Fikry H, Saleh LA, Sadek DR
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42283246 · Publisher ↗
Neurodegenerative diseases, which afflict millions worldwide and threaten public health, have no cure. Neurodegenerative diseases lack effective therapies, burdening society and the economy. Over the past 20 years, regen...
Neurodegenerative diseases, which afflict millions worldwide and threaten public health, have no cure. Neurodegenerative diseases lack effective therapies, burdening society and the economy. Over the past 20 years, regenerative cell therapy (stem cell therapy) has advanced, opening novel neurodegenerative disease treatments. Thus, the current review aimed to systematically highlight experimental and clinical studies of potentially effective therapeutic strategies for stem cells and report histological, cellular, or ultrastructural outcomes following stem cell interventions in neurodegenerative diseases. PRISMA-compliant computerized literature searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies on embryonic, induced pluripotent, mesenchymal, or neural stem cells (NSCs) in neurodegenerative disease models and histological and tissue-level outcomes. Search terms included nervous system diseases, histology, neuron regeneration, stem cells, stem cell treatment, and transplantation. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025 were selected. Experimental animal and clinical studies that reported histological or tissue-level results after stem cell treatments were included. Eighty-six studies met the eligibility criteria, covering models of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease. Across these studies, stem cell therapies were linked to improved neuron survival, better synaptic structure, diminished gliosis, and some restoration of tissue structure. These effects depended on the type of stem cell used, the disease model, and how the treatment was given. Overall, the evidence suggests that stem cell therapies can lead to significant histological and tissue-level improvements in neurodegenerative diseases, supporting their potential for regeneration. Further standardized and translational studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and improve treatment strategies.
Room for Leeway: Margin of Safety to Facial Nerve in Retro-Auricular Trans-Meatal Approaches to Mandibular Condyles.
Odelberg SW, O'Callaghan S, Mathew TT … +2 more , Brassett C, Santhanam V
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42272115 · Publisher ↗
In maxillofacial surgery, accessing the mandibular condyle is a contested topic. Whilst retro-auricular approaches are considered to be protective of the facial nerve, the distance from dissection to nerve has not been v...
In maxillofacial surgery, accessing the mandibular condyle is a contested topic. Whilst retro-auricular approaches are considered to be protective of the facial nerve, the distance from dissection to nerve has not been verified. Dissection of 29 cadaveric head specimens was carried out using a retro-auricular approach. Three measurements were made: (a) from nerve to the inferior edge of the cartilaginous external acoustic meatus, (b) thickness of tissue laterally between dissection and nerve, and (c) thickness of tissue vertically between inferior limit of dissection and nerve. Intra-class correlation co-efficient (ICC) was used to assess inter-observer reliability. The mean distance from the external acoustic meatus was 14.28 mm (ICC = 0.59). Inferior tissue thickness averaged 9.70 mm (ICC = 0.42), and lateral tissue thickness averaged 7.17 mm (ICC = 0.59). Inferior tissue thickness demonstrated the greatest inter-specimen standard deviation (3.09 mm) and lowest individual specimen measurements (0.99 mm). The retro-auricular approach remains safe for surgical access to the mandibular condyle. However, care should be taken of the inferior extent of the dissection once past the external acoustic meatus, particularly when supervising trainees.
Anatomy Will Be the Beginning, Middle and End of the Whole of Medicine.
Tubbs RS
Clin Anat · 2026 Jul · PMID 42261609 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Basiliensia Nomina Anatomica-130th Anniversary of the First Official Anatomical Nomenclature.
Musil V, Kachlík D, Varga I
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42253121 · Publisher ↗
The anatomical terminology is a large pool of terms but since 1895 the anatomists follow its reduced and carefully selected list of terms, the anatomical nomenclature. Thanks to the Anatomische Gesellschaft, this list, t...
The anatomical terminology is a large pool of terms but since 1895 the anatomists follow its reduced and carefully selected list of terms, the anatomical nomenclature. Thanks to the Anatomische Gesellschaft, this list, termed the Basiliensia Nomina Anatomica, was issued in 1895 in Basel, Switzerland. Since then it was revised 10 times (1935-2019), with the latest version being the Terminologia Anatomica 2. The recent versions have also been expanded with English synonyms and English has become the ruling language in international communication. While eponyms play an important role in the terminology, they were excluded from the official Latin anatomical nomenclature already in 1955. This paper aims to honor the 130th anniversary of the Basiliensia Nomina Anatomica, explores its origins, and highlights its key elements that have remained unchanged until now. Generally, and despite some minor points, the Basiliensia Nomina Anatomica continues to be a cornerstone of the anatomical nomenclature. It both represents significant progress and deserves respect. It can also serve as a model for future practice. The knowledge of its origin and heritage should belong to the classical education of any anatomist or physician.
Relationship Between the Azygos Vein and the Greater Splanchnic Nerve: Application to Nerve Ablation Procedures for Improving Cardiac Function.
Forrester D, Davis N, Richards D … +3 more , Mitchell T, Tubbs S, Loukas M
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42249803 · Publisher ↗
Although ablation of the greater splanchnic nerve is now being used to treat some patients with heart failure, the anatomical relationships between this nerve and the adjacent posterior intercostal veins used for the pro...
Although ablation of the greater splanchnic nerve is now being used to treat some patients with heart failure, the anatomical relationships between this nerve and the adjacent posterior intercostal veins used for the procedure are not well elucidated. Therefore, the present anatomical study was performed. The anatomy and relationships of the right GSN and the azygos vein were investigated in 50 adult anatomical donors. In the supine position, the anterior wall of the thorax was removed, and the relationship between the azygos vein and its tributaries and the overlying GSN was observed and documented with quantitation of the distances between these structures. At the T7, T8, and T9 vertebral levels, the mean distance between the GSN and the azygos vein was 3.05, 2.35, and 1.62 cm, respectively. We found that the closest distance between the GSN and the azygos vein was at the T9 vertebral level, with a mean distance of 1.62 cm. Therefore, for the shortest distance between vein and GSN, this level should also be considered for ablation level. Such additional anatomical data can help improve patient outcomes and decrease the complication rates of this procedure.
Femoral Nerve Block: A Review of the Relevant Applied Anatomy, Anatomical Variations, and Procedural Considerations.
Dai Y, Montalbano MJ, Marshall E … +1 more , Loukas M
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42244330 · Publisher ↗
Femoral nerve block is an essential regional anesthetic technique for surgery and analgesia of the anterior thigh, hip, and knee. Its effectiveness depends on understanding the femoral nerve's origin, branching pattern,...
Femoral nerve block is an essential regional anesthetic technique for surgery and analgesia of the anterior thigh, hip, and knee. Its effectiveness depends on understanding the femoral nerve's origin, branching pattern, fascial relationships, and common anatomical variations. This review summarizes current anatomical, cadaveric, and imaging studies to clarify the course of the femoral nerve and highlight variations such as high divisions, accessory branches, and vascular overlap that may influence block success. Approaches including landmark, nerve stimulator, and ultrasound-guided techniques are reviewed with emphasis on procedural anatomy. Ultrasound features of the femoral nerve and fascia iliaca are correlated with cadaveric findings to outline optimal needle placement and spread of injectate. Continuous catheter methods, anesthetic selection, and volume considerations are also described. Comparative evidence indicates that ultrasound guidance improves accuracy, reduces vascular puncture, and decreases local anesthetic requirements compared with blind or stimulator-based approaches. Clinical applications across orthopedic surgery, trauma care, and multimodal perioperative pathways are discussed, along with potential complications such as nerve injury, hematoma, systemic toxicity, and quadriceps weakness. Specifically, detailed knowledge of the femoral nerve's course beneath the fascia iliaca, its shifting proximity to the femoral vessels, and its variable early branching is the key to accurate needle placement, dependable block success, and fewer procedure-related complications.
Personalized Gamified Learning in a Course on the Urogenital System Anatomy: Differential Effects Across Learning Preference Profiles.
Stambuk-Castellano M, Ortega-Arranz A, Carrera A … +4 more , Verdú E, Tubbs RS, Iwanaga J, Reina F
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42244265 · Publisher ↗
Personalized learning approaches adapted to individual metacognitive characteristics have demonstrated promise in Anatomy education. However, whether such benefits are uniform across learner profiles or vary systematical...
Personalized learning approaches adapted to individual metacognitive characteristics have demonstrated promise in Anatomy education. However, whether such benefits are uniform across learner profiles or vary systematically remains an open question with implications for individualized instructional approaches. This quasi-experimental study examined the association between a combined personalized learning and gamification intervention and academic performance in Urogenital Anatomy course, with particular focus on the differential effects across learning preference profiles (CHAEA-based). An intervention cohort (2022-2023, n = 77) that received metacognitive-adapted learning pathways with gamification was compared to a historical control cohort (2021-2022, n = 80). The within-cohort analyses compared performance in personalized vs. traditional assessment modalities (n = 84). The learning preference profiles (CHAEA-based) were assessed using the Honey-Alonso Learning Styles Questionnaire (CHAEA). Between-cohort comparison revealed substantially higher examination scores in the intervention cohort (M = 7.60, SD = 0.70 vs. M = 6.03, SD = 1.60), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.26, 95% CI [0.92, 1.60], p < 0.001) and improved pass rates (100% vs. 68.8%). Within-cohort paired comparisons confirmed a moderate personalization effect (d = 0.67, 95% CI [0.35, 0.99]). In exploratory subgroup analyses, one-way ANOVA revealed significant variation in performance gains across learning preference profiles (CHAEA-based), F (3, 80) = 3.24, p = 0.026, η = 0.108. Students with Theoretical profiles demonstrated large gains (d = 1.16) that significantly exceeded those of Reflective students (p = 0.038), whereas Pragmatic students showed non-significant gains (d = 0.38). These findings suggest that the effectiveness of personalized learning is moderated by the learning preference profile. These exploratory findings contribute to discussions on individualized approaches in anatomy curricula.
Clinical Anatomy of the Left and Right Atrial Appendages in Humans: Comparative and Developmental Perspective.
Lexová M, Neradilová C, Kovanda J … +9 more , Burkert J, Beneš J, Bartos M, Adla T, Melenovsky V, Kvasilova A, Fabian O, Naňka O, Sedmera D
Clin Anat · 2026 Jun · PMID 42244261 · Publisher ↗
Human atrial chambers derive from distinct embryonic anlagens, the original embryonic atria gradually transforming into the so-called auricles, or atrial appendages. This study quantifies macroscopic variations in pectin...
Human atrial chambers derive from distinct embryonic anlagens, the original embryonic atria gradually transforming into the so-called auricles, or atrial appendages. This study quantifies macroscopic variations in pectinate muscle architecture in human atrial appendages and evaluates their visualization using clinical imaging modalities. We examined 153 cadaveric donor hearts (103 specified sex: 61 female, 42 male; plus 50 unspecified), employing gross dissection, ex vivo micro-CT, histology, and in vivo clinical imaging (CT angiography, MRI, and transthoracic/transesophageal echocardiography). Left atrial appendage (LAA) morphologies (Wang classification) comprised chicken-wing (41%), cactus (23%), cauliflower (22%), and windsock (14%) types, with 11 ± 4 (mean ± SD) main pectinate muscles (length: 47 ± 16 mm). Right atrial appendage (RAA) pectinate muscle arrangements (Loukas classification) were dominated by type IV (41%), followed by types I/II (22%/20%), with 17 ± 4 muscles (length: 75 ± 17 mm); the RAAs were larger (p < 0.001) but showed lower muscle density (p = 0.007) than the LAAs. All modalities resolved main pectinate bundles, with angio-CT providing superior LAA detail; transesophageal echocardiography excelled for both sides. Precise atrial appendage morphology informs catheter ablation, pacing, and stroke risk stratification, bridging anatomical and clinical perspectives.
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