Clin Anat [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Anatomical Morphometry and the Precise Position of the Medial Canthal Tendon in a Thiel Cadaveric Study of a Scottish Population.
Eltarhoni R, Soames R, Lamb C
Clin Anat · 2025 Dec · PMID 41417870 · Publisher ↗
Understanding the anatomy of the medial canthal tendon (MCT) is essential for accurate facial reconstruction and orbital surgery. This study analyzed the morphometry and anatomical position of the MCT in 109 orbits from...
Understanding the anatomy of the medial canthal tendon (MCT) is essential for accurate facial reconstruction and orbital surgery. This study analyzed the morphometry and anatomical position of the MCT in 109 orbits from 55 Thiel-embalmed Scottish cadavers (27 males, 28 females; mean age at time of death 84.79 years). Measurements included bone-to-tendon, soft tissue, and bone-to-bone distances, with transverse lines established using a ruler at the superior and inferior orbital margins. Vertical distances from these lines to the MCT were recorded, alongside MCT length, width, and orbital height and width. A previously undocumented decussation pattern was observed in 7% of cadavers, in which the superior and inferior bands of the MCT crossed over the frontal process of the maxilla. The remaining specimens exhibited a single-band configuration. Statistically significant sex-based differences were found in four of seven parameters: the distance between the inferior orbital margin and MCT (p < 0.001), orbital height (p < 0.01), orbital width (p < 0.01), and frontonasal suture to MCT distance (p < 0.02). MCT length and width showed no sex differences. These findings establish the dacryon as a reliable landmark for MCT positioning and highlight the importance of population-specific anatomical data in surgical and forensic applications. This study offers novel insights into MCT morphology within a Scottish population, reinforcing the relevance of precise morphometric data for clinical accuracy.
Evaluating the Reliability of GPT-4o in Histological Image Interpretation.
Mavrych V, Yousef EM, Yaqinuddin A … +2 more , Shaikh AA, Bolgova O
Clin Anat · 2026 May · PMID 41407518 · Publisher ↗
Advanced large language models with multimodal capabilities offer potential new applications in medical education. This study evaluated GPT-4o's performance in normal histology image interpretation. We assessed GPT-4o's...
Advanced large language models with multimodal capabilities offer potential new applications in medical education. This study evaluated GPT-4o's performance in normal histology image interpretation. We assessed GPT-4o's ability to interpret 120 histological images across four histological tissue types at three different magnification levels. Three histology experts evaluated responses using a 4-point rubric across three assessment criteria: tissue/organ identification, structure identification, and structure function assessment. Statistical analysis included ANOVA with Tukey tests, three-way ANOVA for interaction effects, Pearson's correlation, and ICC for reliability. GPT-4o achieved an overall mean score of 2.71 (SE 0.07), with 59.01% of responses rated "Good" or "Excellent." Performance varied significantly across tissues, with epithelial showing highest accuracy (mean 3.11, SE 0.06) and muscle lowest (mean 2.43, SE 0.07). Combined 3 magnifications yielded better results (mean 3.03, SE 0.07) than low magnification alone (mean 2.41, SE 0.07, p < 0.001). Tissue/organ identification questions received higher scores (mean 2.83) than structure identification (mean 2.65) and structure function assessment (mean 2.64). Inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.89). GPT-4o demonstrates moderate histological interpretation ability, varying by tissue type and magnification level. The model performs best with multiple magnification views. These findings suggest potential use in medical education but indicate the need for instructors' supervision.
Intraoral Ultrasonographic Anatomy of the Floor of the Mouth: Implications for Image-Guided Procedures.
Lim J, Yu HS, Won S … +3 more , Oh Y, Kim SB, Kim HJ
Clin Anat · 2025 Dec · PMID 41400342 · Publisher ↗
Intraoral ultrasonography (IOUS) is a simple, rapid, and safe imaging technique, yet its clinical use in the oral cavity has been limited due to the region's complex anatomy and the absence of standardized anatomical ref...
Intraoral ultrasonography (IOUS) is a simple, rapid, and safe imaging technique, yet its clinical use in the oral cavity has been limited due to the region's complex anatomy and the absence of standardized anatomical reference data. The floor of the mouth (FOM) contains the submandibular duct, salivary glands, vessels, and multiple muscles within only a few millimeters of soft tissue, making precise anatomical knowledge essential for diagnosis and safe surgical intervention. This study aimed to analyze IOUS patterns of the FOM to identify key anatomical structures and provide depth-based anatomical data that enhance the clinical applicability of IOUS. Using a 12 MHz intraoral linear transducer, ultrasonographic images were obtained from 84 sides in 42 volunteers (12 male and 30 female; mean age, 34.0 ± 12.5 years) at three standardized intraoral reference points. The key structures were visualized in real time using B-mode and Doppler imaging, and their depths from the oral mucosa were quantitatively measured. The submandibular duct was consistently observed at P1 and P2 and located superficially at approximately 2 mm. In contrast, the lingual and sublingual vessels were located much deeper (approximately 7-11 mm) and showed substantial variability. No significant differences were observed between sides, between sexes, or between arterial and venous depths. The arterial and venous depths showed considerable overlap, indicating a single "vascular layer," which closely corresponds to previously reported lingual nerve depths in cadaveric studies. These findings define an in vivo neurovascular corridor between the duct and vascular layer, providing critical guidance for safe surgical access. Overall, this study provides essential baseline data for the IOUS anatomy of the FOM, which can improve diagnostic accuracy and guide safer minimally invasive procedures in clinical practice.
What Makes an Anatomist "Clinical"? A Perspective From the British Association of Clinical Anatomists (BACA).
Adds P, Ashwood N, Brassett C … +8 more , Choudhury B, Clancy J, Dangerfield P, Gasmalla HEE, Ginty A, Hamilton DL, Swamy M, Taylor S
Clin Anat · 2025 Dec · PMID 41395921 · Publisher ↗
There has recently been discussion regarding the term "clinical anatomy": how can it be defined, and what makes an anatomist "clinical"? Is there any difference between "anatomy" and "clinical anatomy"? What makes an ana...
There has recently been discussion regarding the term "clinical anatomy": how can it be defined, and what makes an anatomist "clinical"? Is there any difference between "anatomy" and "clinical anatomy"? What makes an anatomist "clinical" as opposed to being simply "an anatomist"? With the wide range of educator backgrounds now teaching anatomy in higher education institutions, it is highly relevant to ask this question. In this Viewpoint article, members of Council of The British Association of Clinical Anatomists (BACA) discuss these issues in relation to anatomical education in the UK. We acknowledge that anatomy education in the UK has undergone significant changes, which reflect broader changes in medical education. BACA's approach of including members regardless of whether or not they hold clinical qualifications, while maintaining rigorous healthcare-related standards, aligns with the perspective that the clinical anatomist is defined not by credentials alone, but by a commitment to collaborate with other healthcare disciplines, integrating anatomical knowledge with clinical relevance.
The Concept of Anatomical Analogy Between the Liver and the Pancreas.
Kaderi ASA, Munagala PA, Mavroeidis VK … +2 more , MacCormick A, Aroori S
Clin Anat · 2025 Dec · PMID 41395890 · Publisher ↗
Embryologically derived from foregut buds, the liver and pancreas are anatomically distinct and have discrete functions. However, for surgeons undertaking dedicated work in the hepato-pancreato-biliary region, realizing...
Embryologically derived from foregut buds, the liver and pancreas are anatomically distinct and have discrete functions. However, for surgeons undertaking dedicated work in the hepato-pancreato-biliary region, realizing the analogy of their gross anatomy can be meaningful, even though it has not been widely noticed and discussed. In this article, we describe the anatomical similarities between these two organs, which can aid in performing certain forms of major hepatectomy and pancreatic resections. The pancreas comprises of a head with an uncinate process extension, a neck, a body, and a tail. The "C" loop formed by the neck, head, and the uncinate process of the pancreas encloses the superior mesenteric/portal vein (SMV/PV) and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The gross pancreas anatomy is similar to the gross anatomy of the liver. The right lobe of the liver extending to the caudate lobe (CL) is analogous to the head and the uncinate process, segment 4 is analogous to the neck of the pancreas, and the body/tail of the pancreas is analogous to the left lateral sector. Similar to the SMV and SMA, enclosed in the "C" loop of the pancreas, the common hepatic duct, portal vein, and right and left hepatic arteries are enclosed in the "C" loop of the liver, formed by segment 4, the right hemiliver, and the CL. The inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta are related to the posterior surface of the "C" loop of the right liver and pancreas. Our observation of the anatomical analogy between the pancreas and the liver can be used to simplify the teaching of gross anatomy, which could enhance understanding of the spatial anatomy of the liver and pancreas in an easy, faster, more memorable, and longer-lasting manner. The described anatomical analogies can also aid in conceptualizing and decoding the topographic complexities of major liver and pancreatic surgeries for budding and advanced surgeons.
Visualizing Anatomy: Comparing the Pedagogical Impact of Chalkboard Teaching and 3D Models.
Sharma B, Nasir N, Alhazmi A … +2 more , Bridget B, Ali M
Clin Anat · 2025 Dec · PMID 41370628 · Publisher ↗
Effective anatomy education is critical for preparing medical students for clinical tasks such as surgical planning and radiological interpretation. Traditional chalkboard teaching and modern 3D printed models offer dist...
Effective anatomy education is critical for preparing medical students for clinical tasks such as surgical planning and radiological interpretation. Traditional chalkboard teaching and modern 3D printed models offer distinct approaches, yet their comparative pedagogical impact remains underexplored. This study evaluates chalkboard, 3D printed model, and hybrid teaching methods to optimize anatomy learning for clinical applications like coronary artery mapping and neurosurgery planning. A quasi-experimental study involved 120 undergraduate medical students randomly assigned to three groups (n = 40 each) for a 15-week intervention: chalkboard (lectures with 2D diagrams), 3D printed models (hands-on learning with patient-specific models, e.g., 3D printed heart for angioplasty), and hybrid (integrating both, model-first sequence). Outcomes were assessed via a 20-item anatomy quiz (skeletal, cardiovascular, neuroanatomy, muscular domains), a 30-item pre- and post-activity questionnaire (5-point Likert scale, knowledge, engagement, clarity), qualitative interviews (n = 28, hybrid group), and the Pedagogical Visualization Index (PVI). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, paired t-tests, and thematic analysis. The hybrid group outperforms others, with superior knowledge gain (81.8%, p < 0.001), engagement (4.4 ± 0.4), clarity (4.6 ± 0.3), and PVI (0.830) compared to 3D models (PVI: 0.720) and chalkboard (PVI: 0.543), excelling in cardiovascular (84%, e.g., coronary artery mapping) and neuroanatomy (85%, e.g., cranial nerve localization). Model-first sequencing enhances outcomes (PVI: 0.86, p = 0.03). Qualitative themes (78%) emphasize visualization for clinical reasoning (e.g., femoral artery mapping for vascular surgery). Additionally, the hybrid method demonstrates versatility across specialties, with students achieving high clarity (4.7 ± 0.2) in neurosurgery (e.g., optic nerve tracing for aneurysm clipping), precision (88%) in radiology (e.g., lung segmentation for pulmonary embolism), and engagement (4.6 ± 0.2) in orthopedics (e.g., ACL reconstruction), supported by tactile feedback from 3D models like the knee and congenital heart models for pediatric surgery (clarity 4.9 ± 0.1). The hybrid method, leveraging 3D printed models, optimizes anatomy learning for clinical tasks, supporting adoption in resource-limited curricula. Future research should validate findings with larger cohorts and objective clinical assessments.
The Claustrum and Its Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases-A Narrative Review.
Mazurek A, Iskra T, Przybyłowska A … +2 more , Moryś J, Walocha J
Clin Anat · 2026 Jul · PMID 41370624 · Publisher ↗
The claustrum is a thin gray matter structure with extensive cortical connections, involved in mechanisms of consciousness and salience processing. Numerous studies have suggested that the claustrum may play an important...
The claustrum is a thin gray matter structure with extensive cortical connections, involved in mechanisms of consciousness and salience processing. Numerous studies have suggested that the claustrum may play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we aimed to review and summarize current evidence on the involvement of the claustrum in neurodegenerative disorders. Our review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines using databases including Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and Scopus. A total of 2316 studies were screened, and 135 were included in the full-text analysis, focusing on claustral structural changes, connectivity alterations, and their impact on clinical symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases. A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria. The strongest pathological evidence of claustral involvement was observed in Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease. Claustral abnormalities were also reported in frontotemporal dementia, in poststroke patients, and in multiple sclerosis. Alterations of the claustrum correlated with clinical symptoms such as cognitive impairment. The claustrum is a structure involved in multiple neurodegenerative disorders. As a network node between cortical regions, it is critically involved in numerous neurodegenerative disorders.
Adoption and Integration of "Complete Anatomy" in Early-Year Medical Education: Student and Staff Perspectives.
Al-Antary N, Muflahi I, Delieu JM … +2 more , Al-Ani SA, Stocker CJ
Clin Anat · 2026 May · PMID 41370406 · Full text
Digital anatomy platforms are used in undergraduate healthcare education, but their integration into early curricula varies and often lacks alignment with instructional design. This study evaluates the implementation of...
Digital anatomy platforms are used in undergraduate healthcare education, but their integration into early curricula varies and often lacks alignment with instructional design. This study evaluates the implementation of Complete Anatomy, a three-dimensional anatomy platform, within an early-year medical curriculum. A mixed-methods design was used to collect student and staff data through surveys and focus groups. Student responses showed selective use focused on visualization tools, with limited engagement with quizzes and annotation features. Staff reported low familiarity and minimal use in teaching. Reported barriers included technical instability, navigation difficulty, and lack of integration with learning outcomes. Students and staff proposed curriculum actions to support platform use, including onboarding during induction, guided tasks in tutorials, tutor modeling, and alignment with block content. These actions respond to operational constraints and support structured adoption. The findings provide a framework for platform-specific implementation that may improve consistency of use and reduce cognitive burden. This approach supports integration of digital anatomy tools into early medical education and may inform institutional strategies for resource adoption across disciplines.
Fascia Reimagined: A Proposed Mechanometabolic Framework for Understanding Connective Tissue Organization.
Ferguson JC
Clin Anat · 2026 Jul · PMID 41369935 · Publisher ↗
Fascia has historically been viewed as passive connective tissue packaging, but emerging evidence suggests a more complex and integrated role. We propose a theoretical mechanometabolic framework that conceptualizes fasci...
Fascia has historically been viewed as passive connective tissue packaging, but emerging evidence suggests a more complex and integrated role. We propose a theoretical mechanometabolic framework that conceptualizes fascia as reticulated, sheet-like structures investing micro- and macro-environments with dynamic components including blood, lymph, cerebrospinal fluid, and adipose tissue. This framework synthesizes evidence from embryology, biomechanics, cellular biology, and systems physics to suggest fascia functions as an active mechanosensitive network. While certain aspects of this framework, including fasciacyte identification and viscoelastic properties, are experimentally validated, others, such as critical phenomena, phase transitions, and comprehensive mechanometabolic integration, remain theoretical and require direct experimental validation. Clinical applications, particularly hydrodissection techniques that exploit fascial plane architecture, provide indirect support for discrete mechanometabolic compartmentalization, though mechanistic understanding requires further investigation. This manuscript presents both established findings and testable hypotheses, proposing experimental pathways to validate this integrative framework. Understanding fascia as a mechanometabolic system may have implications for anatomy education, manual therapy, surgical technique, and our broader conceptualization of human physiology.
Programmed Cell Death and Its Therapeutic Implications in Parkinson's Disease: A Review of Apoptosis, Autophagy, Ferroptosis, and Necroptosis.
Erekat NS
Clin Anat · 2026 Apr · PMID 41364837 · Publisher ↗
Parkinson's disease is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta and widespread α-synuclein pathology. Despite extensive res...
Parkinson's disease is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta and widespread α-synuclein pathology. Despite extensive research, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal death remain incompletely defined. Emerging evidence indicates that multiple forms of programmed cell death (PCD), including apoptosis, autophagy failure, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, contribute to dopaminergic degeneration in distinct but overlapping contexts. This review synthesizes current insights from both post-mortem human studies and experimental models to delineate the biochemical and pathological signatures of these PCD pathways in Parkinson's disease. Post-mortem findings demonstrate heterogeneous and often coexisting PCD markers, suggesting that different neuronal subsets within the substantia nigra pars compacta may follow distinct death programs depending on their metabolic profile, iron load, and inflammatory milieu. In contrast, experimental models reveal more discrete pathway-specific activation patterns: apoptosis predominates in acute toxin paradigms, autophagy failure in genetic models, ferroptosis in iron-overload and oxidative stress conditions, and necroptosis in inflammation-augmented models. The apparent discrepancies between human and experimental evidence reflect differences in temporal resolution, pathogenic drivers, and neuronal heterogeneity but together support a unified model of multifactorial, context-dependent cell death. Finally, preclinical studies targeting these pathways, through caspase inhibition, autophagy enhancement, ferroptosis suppression, or necroptosis blockade, have provided proof-of-concept neuroprotection, although translation to clinical efficacy remains elusive. Understanding how these interconnected PCD pathways converge during Parkinson's disease progression is essential for developing multimodal therapeutic strategies that move beyond symptomatic relief toward accurate disease modification.
Learning Anatomy With Radiology: A Systematic Review.
Alexander M, Montalbano MJ, Loukas M
Clin Anat · 2026 Apr · PMID 41351430 · Full text
Radiology education is critical for medical students' anatomical competence and clinical readiness. However, it remains insufficiently integrated in medical curricula as residency program directors describe interns' basi...
Radiology education is critical for medical students' anatomical competence and clinical readiness. However, it remains insufficiently integrated in medical curricula as residency program directors describe interns' basic image interpretation as unsatisfactory. This review aims to assess the efficacy of ultrasound, CT, MRI, and X-ray in facilitating the learning of anatomy among medical students. Following PRISMA guidelines, 983 articles were screened, and 52 studies published between 2000 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria by comparing radiology-integrated anatomy education with traditional methods such as cadaver and atlas use. Data extraction covered study design, radiology modalities, and effect sizes. Both integrated and traditional methods consisted of medical student cohorts assessed on objective knowledge and skills with recorded quantitative outcomes. Included studies showed knowledge gains on multiple choice assessments (pooled Cohen's d = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.34-1.65) but with high heterogeneity among studies (I = 99.5%). Controlled designs were used in 21% of studies. Other investigations (68% of studies) used attitudinal surveys that revealed strong student preference for radiology-integrated learning. Of the modalities present, ultrasound was predominant (85% of studies), with other modalities (CT: 15%; MRI/X-ray: < 5%) substantially underrepresented despite clinical relevance. Radiology integration was shown to enhance anatomy education and clinical preparedness. The incorporation of radiology, specifically ultrasound, into anatomical education leads to a significant and substantial improvement in student learning outcomes. Future investigations can standardize assessments, expand multimodal research, and address global curricular disparities.
The Greater Omentum: A Proposed Mechanism of Movement in the Abdomen.
Cullinane DM, Niblett A, Knerr RM … +10 more , Coulombe J, Kwasnik E, McDermott C, Cantor H, Roe D, Robayo V, Ingram Z, Sharif M, Moye SC, Stearns D
Clin Anat · 2026 May · PMID 41342466 · Publisher ↗
The greater omentum is a thin sheet-like abdominal organ sandwiched between the anterior abdominal wall and the intestines. It possesses adipose deposits, an epiploic vascular system, arcade-like vascular loops, and a si...
The greater omentum is a thin sheet-like abdominal organ sandwiched between the anterior abdominal wall and the intestines. It possesses adipose deposits, an epiploic vascular system, arcade-like vascular loops, and a significant number of omental milky spots, the name given to the immune/lymphatic cell clusters residing in its tissues. Observational and experimental evidence confirms that the omentum moves toward inflamed abdominal organs and surgical sites and invades via vascular and fibrous tissues, in order to isolate the area and launch an immune response. Correlated to this, direct evidence of omental growth in response to inflammatory chemokine stimuli has also been established. Further, it has been demonstrated that the metabolic activity of the milky spots, when engaged in such a response, increases 10-20 fold, along with increases in the number and size of the spots. A mechanism of chemotaxis has yet to be identified, but it is clear that the omentum is an important immunological organ that responds to inflammation and infection in the abdomen, both cellularly and physically. We propose that the blood vessels of the omentum act as a multi-pronged hydrostat system, engorging themselves and their capillaries with blood, responding to an inflammatory trigger like inflated fire hoses, and extending the organ across the abdomen. Thus, the omentum represents an unique mobile immune system that we believe warrants further focus in anatomical, clinical, immunological, and biomechanical research.
The Human Frame… a Knowledge of Which Is the Very Foundation of Medical Science.
Tubbs RS
Clin Anat · 2026 Jan · PMID 41342406 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Infection Risk From Humans and Animals in the Anatomy Laboratory: A Scoping Review.
McNulty MA, Agosto ER
Clin Anat · 2026 Apr · PMID 41334985 · Publisher ↗
Whole-body dissection is a cornerstone of anatomy education. During and following the COVID-19 pandemic, exposure to infectious agents and other risks of dissection were highlighted. To identify potential risks, one must...
Whole-body dissection is a cornerstone of anatomy education. During and following the COVID-19 pandemic, exposure to infectious agents and other risks of dissection were highlighted. To identify potential risks, one must have the data outlining these risks in specific situations. However, information regarding the risks of encountering an infectious pathogen in donors is not readily available for educators and anatomical programs and there are presently no universal guidelines for lowering the risk of exposure to such pathogens. Therefore, this scoping review aims to provide information regarding infectious pathogens that one may encounter in the anatomy lab when engaging in dissection of both humans and animals, including zoonoses (e.g., rabies), blood-borne pathogens (e.g., HIV, HPV), and pathogens that pose a relatively less serious risk to the health of dissectors (e.g., fungal infections). A systematic and comprehensive search across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and ERIC databases without date restrictions was performed. When data were available, the prevalence of these pathogens within the worldwide population, viability in cadavers and the surrounding laboratory environment, and effects of formaldehyde fixation on pathogen infectivity are provided. This review also provides examples of mitigation methods and their effectiveness in reducing the risk of exposure to pathogens in the anatomy laboratory as published in the literature. A summary of potential toxicological hazards encountered in the lab is also included. Overall, this scoping review charts existing literature to provide information that anatomy programs worldwide can utilize to identify potential risks and identify mitigation methods to reduce such risks while dissecting.
Seamless Learning Journey: Exploring Digital Anatomical Experiences in Enriched Medical Education With Metaverse-Supported Virtual Cadaver.
Talan T, Kalınkara Y, Taşdemir R
Clin Anat · 2026 Apr · PMID 41313139 · Publisher ↗
The difficulties experienced in accessing cadavers worldwide are increasing the demand for technology-supported solutions. Virtual cadavers can ensure continuity of education by providing students with the opportunity to...
The difficulties experienced in accessing cadavers worldwide are increasing the demand for technology-supported solutions. Virtual cadavers can ensure continuity of education by providing students with the opportunity to explore and examine realistic anatomical structures in detail without any geographical or physical restrictions. In this context, the development of alternative methods such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) tools is of great importance for students to continue their education. In the current study, the effectiveness of a medical education model enriched through metaverse-supported virtual cadavers was examined in order to contribute to the seamless learning experience of students. Consistent with the aim of the study, the effects of this model on students' academic achievement, attitudes towards the course, and academic motivation were evaluated. The study adopted a mixed methodology incorporating qualitative and quantitative techniques. An achievement test, anatomy attitude scale, and academic motivation scale were employed as data collection instrument in the study. In addition, interviews were conducted with the students in the experimental group to examine their experiences with virtual cadavers in the metaverse environment in depth. This study was conducted with the participation of 110 first-year medical students studying at a state university in Türkiye. Within the scope of the study, the students were divided into two groups as experimental and control groups. Although the control group followed the traditional anatomy curriculum, the experimental group performed some activities on virtual cadaver models in the metaverse environment in addition to the curriculum. The research results revealed that the academic achievement, motivation and attitude levels of the students in the experimental group increased more than those in the control group. The students emphasized that metaverse-supported virtual cadaver activities have the potential to increase students' course success, attitudes towards the course and motivation. The findings show that more comprehensive and in-depth research is needed on the potential effects of metaverse-supported virtual cadaver applications in education. This is an important step to increase the efficiency of metaverse applications in education.
Variability in UK Body Donation Information: A Comparison of Bequeathal Information and Consent Forms With Recommendations for Standardization.
Philp JAC, Sanders KA
Clin Anat · 2026 May · PMID 41294089 · Full text
The use of human donor bodies for anatomical examination in the United Kingdom is regulated by the Human Tissue Authority (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and His Majesty's Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland. This s...
The use of human donor bodies for anatomical examination in the United Kingdom is regulated by the Human Tissue Authority (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and His Majesty's Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland. This study aimed to assess the variability of information provided to body donors and the associated consent forms across UK anatomy institutions. A total of 24 consent forms and information booklets were collected from all body donation programs across the UK. Building on previous research, each document was assessed against a checklist covering general information about the donation process, purposes and locations of body use, consent requirements, disposition of remains, and accessibility. The analysis revealed significant heterogeneity in the information provided. The findings suggest a need for standardization of body donation information and consent forms to ensure they meet ethical requirements for informed consent and to improve accessibility and inclusivity. Recommendations include ensuring consistency between information provided and consent forms, requiring confirmation of reading the information, standardizing age limits and medical condition statements, providing clear information for next of kin, and ensuring ethical oversight by institutional committees. Further research is needed on donors' perspectives regarding specific aspects of the donation process. These recommendations are proposed to provide a more consistent approach to sharing information about body donation, ultimately suggesting the development of a single, collaboratively produced form and information pack to minimize customization (and thus omissions).
Fractal Anatomy of Human Organs: A Narrative Review of Structure, Function, and Clinical Perspectives.
Belviso I, Branca JJV, Guarnieri G … +5 more , Morelli A, Pacini A, Posta DD, Ribatti D, Paternostro F
Clin Anat · 2026 Mar · PMID 41287579 · Full text
Fractal geometry describes complex, self-similar patterns that repeat across spatial scales and is increasingly recognized as relevant in anatomical research. Indeed, the fractal organization is consistently observed in...
Fractal geometry describes complex, self-similar patterns that repeat across spatial scales and is increasingly recognized as relevant in anatomical research. Indeed, the fractal organization is consistently observed in respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous, renal, hepatic, and dermatological systems. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (1977 to March 2025) identifying peer-reviewed original articles, reviews, and conference proceedings addressing the fractal organization of human organs at macrostructural or microstructural levels, with structural-functional relationships and/or clinical applications. Studies were excluded if they lacked direct translational relevance to humans, were not peer-reviewed, or did not utilize explicit fractal methodology. Key findings highlight that bronchial tree fractal dimension (FD) correlates with airflow limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, while in the vascular system, retinal metrics reflect systemic microvascular health. Moreover, the fractal modeling of hepatic and renal hemodynamic models supports system-level interpretation. In the nervous system, cortical gyrification and neuronal dendritic FD are associated with cognitive capacity and disease progression. Gastrointestinal mucosal FD decreases in inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. Advances in multiscale imaging (e.g., micro-CT, MRI) and computational methods enable both in vivo and ex vivo assessment, although methodological heterogeneity remains a limiting factor. Overall, fractal analysis provides a quantitative and reproducible descriptor of anatomical complexity with demonstrated associations to functional performance and disease severity. Standardization of methodology, development of normative datasets, and validation in large prospective cohorts are essential for routine clinical practice.
Fascia, Eh. What Is It? What Is It Good for?
Neumann PE, Labib H, Lhuaire M … +8 more , Boaz NT, Noel GPJC, Suárez-Quian C, Tessema C, Ward PJ, Weinhaus AJ, Anand MK, Detton AJ
Clin Anat · 2026 Mar · PMID 41277747 · Full text
Opinions on the meaning of the term fascia appear to have been diverging for the past quarter century. In 1998, the definition of fascia in the international standard anatomical nomenclature was narrowed by removing the...
Opinions on the meaning of the term fascia appear to have been diverging for the past quarter century. In 1998, the definition of fascia in the international standard anatomical nomenclature was narrowed by removing the term fascia superficialis. On the other hand, fascia researchers, who continue to widely accept the term superficial fascia, have progressively broadened their definition of fascia and proposed that fasciae constitute an anatomical system, the fascial system. Here we examine competing concepts from an anatomical perspective with the goal of finding a position that could lead to a consensus among anatomists, other biomedical scientists and health practitioners with an interest in fascia. We endorse a return to the traditional view that fasciae are fibrous membranes that compartmentalize and connect parts of the body, that they are primarily composed of sheets or sheaths of dense irregular connective tissue, and that they are not parts of well-defined organs. They are prominent components of the integument, musculature, lining of the body cavities, and extraperitoneal spaces. The proposal that fibrous membranous components of the skeleton and nervous system are also fasciae merits further study and discussion.
Adipocytes in Aortic Stenosis: Association With Clinical and Morphological Indices.
Zoico E, Saatchi T, Urbani S … +7 more , Rizzatti V, Mazzali G, Fantin F, Faccioli S, Gavras A, Zamboni M, Giani A
Clin Anat · 2026 Apr · PMID 41208320 · Full text
Recently, great attention has been given to understanding the new pathogenetic mechanisms underlying aortic stenosis (AS). The study aims to understand the role of mature adipocytes in AS and their association with histo...
Recently, great attention has been given to understanding the new pathogenetic mechanisms underlying aortic stenosis (AS). The study aims to understand the role of mature adipocytes in AS and their association with histologic, clinical, and echocardiographic data, an area previously overlooked in AS research. We enrolled 25 patients (15 women and 10 men) with severe AS undergoing elective aortic valve replacement. Each patient underwent clinical and transthoracic echocardiographic evaluations before surgery. We obtained AS valves and left ventricular (LV) septal biopsies to assess the presence of adipocytes within the valve using perilipin 1 (PLIN1) immunohistochemistry, and we also examined other histological characteristics of the ventricular biopsies. Adipocytes were detected in 76% of the aortic stenotic valve samples, often grouped adjacent to calcified areas. Patients with higher values of PLIN1 valvular adipocytes were generally older (p = 0.06) and had lower BMI values (p = 0.06). Moreover, the group with a higher presence of PLIN1(+) valvular adipocytes had significantly decreased mean gradient values and reduced M1 macrophage infiltration in ventricular biopsies. In a binary regression analysis, only mean gradient was significantly associated with the presence of PLIN1(+) adipocytes in the valve, regardless of age, BMI and ventricular M1 macrophage levels. These preliminary findings suggest that valvular adipocytes could be related to the progression of AS, but more investigation is necessary.
Morphogenesis of Human Scalene Muscles Between Weeks 6 and 13 of Development: Anatomical Aspects and Clinical-Functional Relevance.
Martínez-Sanz E, Barrio-Asensio MC, Maldonado E … +5 more , Palomar-Gallego MA, Catón J, Arráez-Aybar LA, Murillo-González JA, Mérida-Velasco JR
Clin Anat · 2025 Nov · PMID 41208303 · Publisher ↗
The scalene muscles represent a crucial muscle group in cervical anatomy, with significant clinical and functional implications. Despite their importance, studies on their embryonic and fetal development remain scarce. T...
The scalene muscles represent a crucial muscle group in cervical anatomy, with significant clinical and functional implications. Despite their importance, studies on their embryonic and fetal development remain scarce. This study examined the morphogenesis of the scalene muscles bilaterally in 33 developing human specimens [66 sides from 12 embryos (Weeks 6-8) and 21 fetuses (Weeks 9-13)] using serial histological sections and conventional light microscopy. The scalene blastema appeared during Week 6 of development, comprising myoblasts, mesenchymal cells, and collagen fibers, and was surrounded by fibroblast-like cells and collagen fibers. The ventral rami of spinal nerves forming the brachial plexus, along with the subclavian artery, divided this blastema into two components: a medial portion (scalenus anterior muscle primordium), pierced by the phrenic nerve, and a lateral portion (scalenus medius muscle primordium), pierced by the dorsal scapular nerve and the branches forming the long thoracic nerve. The scalene triangle, through which these neurovascular elements pass, formed between the scalenus anterior and medius primordia. The scalenus minimus muscle was identified in 7 of 66 sides (10.6%). Our findings suggest that the scalene blastema originates from both hypaxial myotomes and sclerotomes of the cervical somites. The developmental relationship between the scalene blastema and adjacent neurovascular structures may help explain anatomical variations in this region with clinical significance. Furthermore, the insertion of the scalenus anterior muscle into the parietal pleura via the suprapleural membrane primordium provides new insight into its functional role in respiratory mechanics.
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