Clin Anat [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Anatomical Study With Clinical Significance of the Buccomandibular Space: A Complementary Ultrasonographic Study to Cadaveric Dissection.
Ji HJ, Lee KL, Iwanaga J … +3 more , Watanabe K, Kim HM, Kim HJ
Clin Anat · 2026 May · PMID 41208049 · Full text
The buccomandibular space is a potential space located within the oral and maxillofacial regions. This morphological study aimed to provide a detailed anatomical description and ultrasonographic examination of the buccom...
The buccomandibular space is a potential space located within the oral and maxillofacial regions. This morphological study aimed to provide a detailed anatomical description and ultrasonographic examination of the buccomandibular space and its adjacent structures, to discuss its clinical significance-particularly in relation to pathological conditions such as the spread of odontogenic infections, complications associated with antiaging injectables, and tumor invasion-and to offer valuable insights into the understanding and management of lower face treatment and rejuvenation. Anatomical dissection was performed on 28 facial halves, including 10 from five embalmed and 18 from nine fresh-frozen Korean adult cadavers. An ultrasonographic study was conducted on 12 facial halves of six healthy Korean adult participants. In addition, targeted intraoral polycaprolactone filler injection into the buccomandibular space was performed on two fresh-frozen hemifaces to simulate the expansion of the potential space, followed by ultrasonographic validation and intraoral dissection to confirm the filler-occupied area. The buccomandibular space was bounded by six anatomical boundaries. Ultrasonographic examination at three reference points in the lower third of the face identified adjacent muscular and vascular structures. This study presented various methods for clarifying the boundaries and adjacent structures of the buccomandibular space. The detailed anatomical insights gained in our study can enhance the understanding of the buccomandibular space, including its clinical relevance and anatomical relationships with adjacent structures. These findings may also improve the interpretation of ultrasonographic imaging for healthcare professionals and students in both clinical and educational settings.
A Meta-Analysis and Simplified Nomenclature for Diagonal Coronary Artery and Ramus Intermedius Across Adult and Pediatric Hearts.
Dai Y, Constantini S, Montalbano MJ … +1 more , Loukas M
Clin Anat · 2026 Apr · PMID 41175009 · Full text
Anatomical descriptions of left-sided oblique coronary branches remain inconsistent, hindering imaging interpretation and surgical planning. To quantify the prevalence, branching patterns and morphometry of the ramus int...
Anatomical descriptions of left-sided oblique coronary branches remain inconsistent, hindering imaging interpretation and surgical planning. To quantify the prevalence, branching patterns and morphometry of the ramus intermedius (RI) and diagonal branches, and propose a unified nomenclature. Following PRISMA guidelines, a PubMed search up to 12 June 2025 yielded 623 records. Forty-six studies involving 25,602 hearts were included, and random-effects meta-analysis was applied to pool prevalence and continuous outcomes. Overall, an additional left-main branch (RI) was present in 25.2% (95% CI: 8.7-54.5). Trifurcation dominated (22.7%), whereas quadrifurcation and pentafurcation occurred in 3.7% and 1.3% respectively. The pooled RI/diagonal diameter averaged 2.21 mm (95% CI 2.02-2.39), and mean branch length was 49.1 mm (95% CI 37.8-60.5). Methodological heterogeneity was high but consistent patterns emerged across cadaveric and imaging modalities. An oblique "diagonal artery", whether arising from the left main (RI) or anterior interventricular artery, is present in roughly 25% of hearts, averages 2.2 mm in caliber and extends to 49 mm. Recognizing this vessel family and standardizing the term "diagonal arteries" will improve coronary imaging reporting and guide revascularization strategies.
Frederick Schafhirt, the Army Medical Museum, and the Origins of Federally Funded Scientific Research in America.
Wright JR
Clin Anat · 2025 Oct · PMID 41128351 · Publisher ↗
Before the Civil War, there was little scientific research and no federally funded scientific research in America. William Hammond, a US Army surgeon, organized a small group of young Philadelphia-based physicians and es...
Before the Civil War, there was little scientific research and no federally funded scientific research in America. William Hammond, a US Army surgeon, organized a small group of young Philadelphia-based physicians and established the Philadelphia Biological Society while on sick leave in December 1857. It was a short-lived society that promoted self-funded biomedical research. Hammond, after his appointment as Surgeon-General during the Civil War, realized that by utilizing his new top-down authority and military funding, he could conduct scientific research and envisioned producing an all-inclusive Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion. On May 21, 1862, Hammond ordered Union Army doctors to diligently collect and forward to him "all specimens of morbid anatomy, surgical or medical, which may be regarded as valuable … in the study of military medicine or surgery." The Army Medical Museum was established on August 1, 1862, to receive these materials. In addition to the officers in charge, the Museum required a small technical staff with highly specialized skills. A German immigrant anatomy technician who had been working at the University of Pennsylvania, Frederick Schafhirt, was hired as a "bone cleaner" on July 24, 1862. Soon, his sons Adolph and Ernest were working with him. Of the little that has been written about these colorful individuals, much is historically incorrect. This paper documents their lives and work at the Museum. Frederick Schafhirt was almost certainly the first federally funded research employee, and the Army Medical Museum represents the beginning of federally funded research in America.
What Is Clinical Anatomy?-A Consensus Statement From the American Association of Clinical Anatomists.
Iwanaga J, Bubb K, Rajaram-Gilkes M … +20 more , Noel G, Chaiyamoon A, Ezra D, Raoof A, Rae G, Mtui EP, Detton AJ, Anand MK, Raeburn K, Hur MS, Kim HJ, Sekhar LN, Tabira Y, Watanabe K, Khalil MK, Antoni A, Loukas M, Spinner RJ, Adds PJ, Tubbs RS
Clin Anat · 2026 Jan · PMID 41117176 · Full text
At the 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA) in Bellevue, Washington, June 2025, two inaugural events-the Clinical Anatomy Fireside Chat (CAFC) and the Clinical Anatomy Symposium:...
At the 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA) in Bellevue, Washington, June 2025, two inaugural events-the Clinical Anatomy Fireside Chat (CAFC) and the Clinical Anatomy Symposium: Head and Neck 2025 (CAS)-fostered rich dialogue on the evolving role and operational definition of clinical anatomy. Experts from various clinical and anatomical disciplines explored the meaning of clinical anatomy, highlighting the absence of a universal definition despite its frequent use in education and research. Through these interdisciplinary discussions, a consensus emerged: clinical anatomy is not defined solely by the possession of clinical credentials but by the integration of anatomical knowledge and clinical relevance, achieved most effectively through collaboration. Clinical anatomy education and research require different depths of clinical knowledge depending on the audience and objective, and meaningful collaboration can bridge gaps in expertise. The symposium further illustrated that high-quality clinical anatomy emerges from mutual respect and reciprocal insight between clinicians and anatomists. This article presents a consensus statement developed by AACA representatives and invited speakers, affirming that collaboration is not only foundational to the practice of clinical anatomy but also fundamental to its definition. These conclusions aim to guide future educational models, research strategies, and interdisciplinary partnerships in the field of clinical anatomy.
The Discovery of Mast Cells: An Historical Note.
Ribatti D
Clin Anat · 2026 May · PMID 41102865 · Publisher ↗
Mast cells are present in all classes of Vertebrates and have emerged > 500 million years ago, long before the development of adaptive immunity. Mast cells were first identified by the Nobel Prize winner Paul Ehrlich in...
Mast cells are present in all classes of Vertebrates and have emerged > 500 million years ago, long before the development of adaptive immunity. Mast cells were first identified by the Nobel Prize winner Paul Ehrlich in 1878, when he was still a medical student. Mast cells are localized at the junction point of the host and external environment at places of entry of antigens (gastrointestinal tract, skin, and respiratory epithelium). Mast cells have been recognized as crucial effectors in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Mast cells protect against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses through the release of proinflammatory and chemotactic mediators. There is evidence that mast cells exert relevant functions in tissue homeostasis, remodeling, repair, and fibrosis. Moreover, mast cells accumulate at sites of tumor growth in response to numerous chemoattractants and release a vast array of mediators, some of which have promoting and others inhibitory effects on malignancies.
Calvarial Bloom Biomechanics: Dural Tension Governing Cranial Form.
Standerwick RG, Roberts WE
Clin Anat · 2025 Oct · PMID 41065558 · Publisher ↗
The Calvarial Blooming Model (CBM) describes cranial vault growth as a Class III lever system in which patterned brain expansion supplies the effort, dural tethers act as fulcra, and sutures serve as load-transfer zones....
The Calvarial Blooming Model (CBM) describes cranial vault growth as a Class III lever system in which patterned brain expansion supplies the effort, dural tethers act as fulcra, and sutures serve as load-transfer zones. In contrast to models emphasizing muscular loading or genetic determinism, CBM frames the cranium as a compliant, tension-sensitive structure shaped by cerebral growth, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) buoyancy, and intracranial pulsations. Evidence from multiple sources was used to illustrate the framework. Bolton Standards cephalometric superimpositions (ages 6-18) provided conservative estimates of sutural displacement and vault surface area expansion. Cases from the AAOF Legacy Collection demonstrated late-phase remodeling often absent in standard datasets. Published finite-element analyses of sutural strain and dural tension pathways, together with clinical and histological observations, further supported the model. Perturbations of genetic and environmental regulators-including RUNX2, FGFRs, and BMPs-disrupt these strain pathways and produce craniofacial anomalies consistent with CBM predictions. Recognizing cranial vault expansion as the action of a tensioned dural hammock operating under Class III lever mechanics clarifies how patterned brain growth directs vault remodeling and suggests new approaches to craniosynostosis correction and growth modification.
The Development of the Human Female Reproductive Tract. Part 1: Uterine Tube and Uterus.
Hülsman CJM, Köhler SE, Morosan-Puopolo G … +2 more , Hikspoors JPJM, Lamers WH
Clin Anat · 2026 Jan · PMID 41051167 · Full text
The uterine tubes and uterus develop from the paramesonephric (Müllerian) ducts. Most experimental data are obtained in rodents. Since the (micro-)anatomy of the murine urogenital tract differs from that in humans, evalu...
The uterine tubes and uterus develop from the paramesonephric (Müllerian) ducts. Most experimental data are obtained in rodents. Since the (micro-)anatomy of the murine urogenital tract differs from that in humans, evaluation of the translatability of mouse data to human development is relevant. We studied the Müllerian ducts in serially sectioned female human embryos and fetuses between 5 and 15 weeks of development and prepared 3D-reconstructions to establish topographic relations. At 5 weeks of development, the dorsocranial peritoneal epithelium thickens locally to form a placode-like structure, which remodels into the tubal orifice at 6 weeks. The subsequent caudal extension of the Müllerian ducts requires its temporary stay with the mesonephric (Wolffian) duct inside a common basement membrane. The site where the Müllerian segment expands passes as a wave along the Wolffian duct. This wave breaks when the tubes reach the lesser pelvis in the 8th week. There, both Müllerian ducts fuse to form the single uterovaginal canal. No fusion occurs most caudally, where the Müllerian ducts elicit the Müllerian tubercle in the dorsal wall of the urogenital sinus. The uterovaginal canal becomes encased in a mesenchymal cuff, the genital cord. The gubernaculum, which appears at 6.5 weeks as a tissue bridge between the mesonephros and the lateral body wall, eventually becomes the round ligament in females. At 12 weeks, it is still an intraperitoneal structure in an evagination of the abdominal cavity. Unexpectedly, the early development of the uterovaginal canal was similar in human and mouse embryos.
Shifting Anatomy Away From a Time-Based Model: Competency-Based Education Insights for Anatomy Educators.
Helms J, Donovan S
Clin Anat · 2026 Jan · PMID 41036606 · Publisher ↗
As competency-based education (CBE) gains momentum in health professions, anatomy educators face significant logistical challenges in shifting from time-based content-driven curricula to the assessment-driven CBE model....
As competency-based education (CBE) gains momentum in health professions, anatomy educators face significant logistical challenges in shifting from time-based content-driven curricula to the assessment-driven CBE model. Effective course planning requires collaboration with clinicians to define essential anatomical knowledge, alongside a strategic reallocation of faculty efforts from traditional teaching roles to the design and implementation of meaningful assessments. As this shift takes place, educators must also tackle the challenge of developing feasible assessments that align with clinical competencies, particularly when integrating human donor-based learning experiences. As part of this broader transition, classroom activities must also evolve to accommodate flexible, asynchronous content delivery, multimodal lab experiences, and case-based learning that supports individualized learning progression. This viewpoint explores those key challenges and offers considerations to help educators preserve the rigor and depth of anatomical education while adapting to a competency-based framework.
Anatomic Accuracy Is the Keynote of Surgical Technic.
Tubbs RS
Clin Anat · 2025 Nov · PMID 40984811 · Publisher ↗
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Transgenic Models to Study Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis: An Historical Note.
Ribatti D
Clin Anat · 2026 Apr · PMID 40984810 · Publisher ↗
The knockout mouse has been a valuable tool for geneticists to discern the role of a gene in embryonic development and in normal physiological homeostasis. The development of transgenic technologies in mice has allowed t...
The knockout mouse has been a valuable tool for geneticists to discern the role of a gene in embryonic development and in normal physiological homeostasis. The development of transgenic technologies in mice has allowed the study of the consequences of genetic alterations on angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. This historical review article summarizes the first literature evidence concerning the use of transgenic models to study the most important factors involved in the regulation of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
Women on the Other Side of the Knife: Women Engaged in Anatomical Learning and Dissection in Newspapers, Magazines, and Popular Culture.
Smith LE
Clin Anat · 2026 Mar · PMID 40977521 · Publisher ↗
The history regarding women in dissection and anatomy education focused on female cadavers used to acquire knowledge. Few studies have focused on the other side of the scalpel, where women participated and produced anato...
The history regarding women in dissection and anatomy education focused on female cadavers used to acquire knowledge. Few studies have focused on the other side of the scalpel, where women participated and produced anatomical knowledge. This article focuses on women entering into the anatomical sciences and medical research, and their historical challenges. Women had to fight for participation in the anatomical sciences. Many of the shifts for women's participation in anatomy and dissections occurred in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. At first, women joining in medical education and anatomical dissections were treated as exceptional, or even frightening, but by the outbreak of World War II, popular media outlets like Life magazine profiled female medical students partaking in dissections and anatomical training as a new normal. Newspapers and other media sources that covered women's participation in the anatomical sciences promoted the work of women, even at some points celebrating it. Other newspapers wrote about the challenges and complexities regarding women working with bodies and dissection. In the 21st century, novel writers and memoirists published stories that memorialized the struggles of women entering medicine and their desire to participate in dissections. Memoirs from women involved in medical training explained the discrimination they experienced when training on cadavers. Finally, many of the historical experiences of women facing adversity participating in dissections affect classrooms and learning environments today.
Ethical Issues Involved in Solid Organ Xenotransplantation.
Hurst DJ, Bobier C, Padilla LA
Clin Anat · 2026 Jan · PMID 40965314 · Full text
Xenotransplantation (specifically, genetically modified pig-to-human transplant of organs, tissues, or cells) clinical trials are set to begin in the United States after decades of pre-clinical studies and recent deceden...
Xenotransplantation (specifically, genetically modified pig-to-human transplant of organs, tissues, or cells) clinical trials are set to begin in the United States after decades of pre-clinical studies and recent decedent and compassionate use investigations. This article provides a primer on the key ethical issues attendant with this emerging therapy. We explore four central areas of concern: (i) the use of animals to meet human transplant needs, as well as their welfare since they are housed in non-natural conditions, (ii) the risk of infectious disease transfer from the porcine graft to the human recipient, known as xenozoonosis, (iii) patient selection criteria for initial clinical trials when an unknown risk/benefit ratio exists, and (iv) the necessity of public engagement in order to increase acceptance and trust of this novel potential therapy. The article argues that the long-term success and social acceptance of xenotransplantation are contingent not only on overcoming immunological hurdles but also on thoughtfully considering the ethical issues.
Intussusceptive Microvascular Growth-An Alternative Mode of Vascular Growth: An Historical Note.
Ribatti D
Clin Anat · 2026 Apr · PMID 40946221 · Publisher ↗
Intussusceptive microvascular growth (IMG) is a process of capillary network expansion where tissue pillars grow into the lumen of existing capillaries, splitting them and increasing the surface area of the vascular netw...
Intussusceptive microvascular growth (IMG) is a process of capillary network expansion where tissue pillars grow into the lumen of existing capillaries, splitting them and increasing the surface area of the vascular network without new endothelial cell proliferation or sprouting from existing vessels. This mechanism contributes to organ development, growth, and tumor angiogenesis, leading to the formation of a denser, more complex network of capillaries.
Histopathologic Analysis of the Morpho-Functional Zones of the Human Acetabular Labrum.
Alomiery AA, Hall AC, Gillingwater TH … +2 more , Alsolami A, Alashkham A
Clin Anat · 2025 Sep · PMID 40938286 · Publisher ↗
The structural and functional adaptation of soft tissues to mechanical load controls their ability to withstand injury and influences their capacity for healing. Similar to the knee meniscus, the acetabular labrum exhibi...
The structural and functional adaptation of soft tissues to mechanical load controls their ability to withstand injury and influences their capacity for healing. Similar to the knee meniscus, the acetabular labrum exhibits zonal differences in mechanical load distribution, resulting in distinct regions with unique structural and functional properties. However, little is known about the effect of these zonal adaptations on the severity and distribution of labral degenerative changes. This study aims to assess the impact of labral zonal adaptations on the severity and distribution of histopathologic features. Human tissue was obtained from 9 embalmed cadavers, comprising a total of 16 hemipelves (10 males and 6 females) with an average age of 80 years (age range 66-99). Each hip was divided into 8 distinct regions, resulting in 128 regional segments. Slides were stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Safranin-O (Saf O), with the incorporation of fluorescent scanning of eosin (F-Eosin). Labral histopathologic features were assessed using established modified grading criteria for the knee meniscus. These features were evaluated both globally across the anatomical quadrants of the hip joint and zonally across the inner and outer zones. The global analysis of the labrum revealed a similar distribution of histopathologic features across the superior, anterior, inferior, and posterior quadrants of the hip joint. Conversely, across 128 labral segments, pairwise zonal assessments revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the severity of degenerative features, which were predominantly concentrated in the inner labral zone near the articular surface. These degenerative changes encompassed alterations in matrix proteoglycan content, cellularity, collagen organization, and labral articular surface, including the lamellar layer. The increased compactness of labral fibers in the inner zone, minimal vascular penetration, and significant degenerative changes imply that it is a vulnerable area for injury with a potentially limited capacity for healing. The delineation of these distinct zonal frameworks highlights the labrum's functional adaptation to its mechanical environment. The zonal analysis of the labrum provided a considerably more detailed perspective on the distribution dynamics of histopathologic features compared to previous global analyses, offering a more precise understanding of the anatomical factors that may explain zone-specific vulnerability to injury and degeneration.
The Impact of Shoulder Abduction on the Anatomy of the Interscalene Triangle.
Randall A, Buddle S
Clin Anat · 2025 Sep · PMID 40938283 · Publisher ↗
Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) occurs in three major anatomical locations, including the interscalene triangle. Because symptoms of TOS are reproduced on upper limb abduction, this study aimed to examine the i...
Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) occurs in three major anatomical locations, including the interscalene triangle. Because symptoms of TOS are reproduced on upper limb abduction, this study aimed to examine the impact of glenohumeral abduction on the triangle's dimensions and whether this may contribute to compression of the structures which traverse it. Ten interscalene triangles were dissected from five body donor specimens bilaterally to measure the length of the anterior and middle scalene muscles, and inferior border of the scalene triangle when the upper limb was abducted to 0°, 90°, and at maximal abduction. Both the anterior and middle scalene lengths decreased as the angle of abduction increased, with the greatest decrease being between 0° and 90° (p = 0.0003). No significant decrease in length was shown between 90° and > 90° abduction (p = 0.48) nor was there a significant change in the overall area of the triangle throughout abduction (p = 0.58). This suggests that TOS symptoms may not correlate with the degree of upper limb abduction as previously thought. Additionally, there were significant differences between parameters of the superficial triangle measured by most previous studies, and a deeper triangle within the same space at all levels of abduction. This study therefore recommends further exploration into the dynamic nature of the interscalene triangle.
Plastination of Archival Human Fetuses: Anatomical Preservation, Microbiological Safety, 3D Reconstruction, Ethical Considerations and Educational Impact in Obstetrics and Childcare Career Students.
Prieto-Gómez R, Rojas M, Koch C … +3 more , Saint-Pierre G, Estrada J, Ottone NE
Clin Anat · 2026 Mar · PMID 40938269 · Publisher ↗
Plastination is widely used to preserve adult and juvenile cadavers, but its effectiveness in fetal specimens requires further validation. This study aimed to plastinate human fetuses from an archival collection that had...
Plastination is widely used to preserve adult and juvenile cadavers, but its effectiveness in fetal specimens requires further validation. This study aimed to plastinate human fetuses from an archival collection that had been stored in 10% formalin. It evaluated the microbiological safety of the specimens after handling and storage, and assessed their educational impact on first-year students in the Obstetrics and Childcare program. The plastination protocol involved cold acetone dehydration, vacuum-based silicone impregnation, and anatomical positioning to ensure structural fidelity. Microbiological analysis using MALDI-TOF confirmed the absence of fungal and bacterial contamination, supporting the biosafety of plastinated fetuses during repeated handling. The specimens were used in hands-on sessions with first-year obstetrics students, who completed a satisfaction survey reporting high levels of engagement, improved understanding of fetal development, and increased confidence in identifying key anatomical structures. Additionally, 3D reconstruction of one plastinated fetus was performed to illustrate the potential of digital technologies for future anatomical education. The study also addresses ethical considerations related to the use of archival fetal collections, emphasizing the importance of responsible preservation practices and the potential of plastination and 3D reconstruction to reduce dependence on original specimens while upholding educational and ethical standards.
An Investigation of Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna in a Modern Anatomical Body Donor Population.
Beresheim AC, Hall A
Clin Anat · 2026 Mar · PMID 40927897 · Full text
This research sought to examine the prevalence and severity of hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) in the Chicagoland anatomical body donor population. The study further aimed to elucidate potential demographic risk fac...
This research sought to examine the prevalence and severity of hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) in the Chicagoland anatomical body donor population. The study further aimed to elucidate potential demographic risk factors for HFI, including sex, age at death, and structural vulnerability index (SVI), as well as any common comorbidities, as gleaned from death certificates. HFI is an irregular bony overgrowth of the endocranial surface of the frontal bone. It is most often observed in postmenopausal women or in individuals with growth hormone disorders. This work investigated the distribution of HFI in a predominantly geriatric anatomical body donor population (n = 235, n = 127 n = 108; 19-104 years), using a macroscopic classification system that considers both the morphological appearance and the size of the affected area. Relationships between HFI and variables of interest were assessed through various non-parametric statistical tests and binomial logistic regression. While HFI was not associated with age-at-death or SVI, results indicate that there were significant sex differences in both HFI prevalence and severity. Females demonstrated higher rates of HFI across all severity types, whereas in males, HFI lesions were much less common and mostly limited to the earliest stages of disease progression. HFI was also associated with neoplasms as a cause of death. Among cancer deaths, individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers had a higher prevalence of HFI, but this difference was not statistically significant. While the causal pathways of these relationships remain unclear, the association with cancer may potentially explain the reportedly higher HFI prevalence rates in modern compared to past populations. Moreover, this research has bioarcheological and forensic implications as HFI is sometimes used to infer age and sex, given its association with older-aged females.
Ultrasonographic Analysis of Site-Specific Plantar Skin Thickness for Melanoma Staging and Excision.
Kim J, Hur S, Lee KL … +1 more , Kim HJ
Clin Anat · 2026 Jan · PMID 40927884 · Full text
Plantar melanomas present unique diagnostic and surgical challenges owing to substantial regional variations in skin thickness. Although the Breslow thickness remains the primary criterion for staging and surgical excisi...
Plantar melanomas present unique diagnostic and surgical challenges owing to substantial regional variations in skin thickness. Although the Breslow thickness remains the primary criterion for staging and surgical excision, its application on plantar melanoma is complicated by the inherent thickness of the glabrous plantar epidermis, which may lead to tumor depth overestimation. Accurate assessment of plantar skin thickness is essential for optimizing staging accuracy and refining surgical margins. This study aimed to investigate plantar epidermal, dermal, and total skin thicknesses at 14 anatomical locations using high-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) and histological analysis. A total of 35 ft (27 from cadavers and eight from patients) were examined. Mean total skin thickness was 1.71 ± 0.31 mm, although mean epidermal thickness was 0.55 ± 0.12 mm and mean dermal thickness was 1.16 ± 0.27 mm. Significant regional variations were observed (p < 0.05), with the heel (S11) exhibiting the greatest thickness (2.19 ± 0.29 mm) and the medial arch (S4) the least (1.41 ± 0.26 mm). The results also included thickness ranking in order of the heel, forefoot, lateral arch, and medial arch. These findings suggest that plantar skin thickness correlates with mechanical stress distribution, with weight-bearing regions exhibiting greater epidermal and dermal thicknesses. By providing a comprehensive dataset of site-specific plantar skin thicknesses, this study enhances the precision of ultrasonographic melanoma assessment, refines tumor staging, and aids in optimizing excision margins. These findings offer clinically relevant anatomical reference points that may improve surgical decision-making, minimize unnecessary excisions, and enhance the prognosis of melanoma. Further studies should explore the correlation between ultrasonographic and histopathological measurements across diverse populations to strengthen their clinical applicability.
Temporalis Muscle Flap for Reconstruction Following Lateral Temporal Bone Resection: Anatomical Study and Technical Note.
Komune N, Fukushima S, Oryouji C … +4 more , Iwanaga J, Kadota H, Tubbs RS, Nakagawa T
Clin Anat · 2025 Sep · PMID 40916497 · Publisher ↗
There are no standardized guidelines for reconstructive surgery of large temporal bone defects following lateral temporal bone resection for external auditory (acoustic) meatus carcinoma. Filling the defect with well-vas...
There are no standardized guidelines for reconstructive surgery of large temporal bone defects following lateral temporal bone resection for external auditory (acoustic) meatus carcinoma. Filling the defect with well-vascularized tissue is important for large tissue defects to promote wound healing and prevent infection postoperatively. Patients with malignant tumors of the external acoustic meatus requiring lateral temporal bone resection may sometimes necessitate postoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, it is essential to facilitate wound healing and initiate adjuvant therapy promptly after surgery. Moreover, to prevent complications such as osteonecrosis after radiotherapy, filling the defect with well-vascularized tissue is particularly important. Reconstructing a large temporal bone defect using the temporalis muscle following lateral temporal bone resection requires several surgical tips based on anatomical knowledge. However, no previous reports have described these techniques in detail. In this report, we highlight that the creation of an effective temporalis muscle flap for large temporal bone defects after lateral temporal bone resection requires cutting the deep layer of the temporalis fascia and the pericranium, as well as the separation of tendinous structures within the temporalis muscle. In this report, based on the microsurgical anatomy of the temporalis muscle, we present an effective method for creating a reliable temporalis muscle flap for reconstructive surgery.
Anatomical and Functional Insights Into Hyrtl's Anastomosis: Implications for Placental and Fetal Vascular Dynamics.
Mangla M, Motwani R, Palo S
Clin Anat · 2025 Sep · PMID 40916460 · Publisher ↗
Hyrtl's anastomosis, a transverse inter-arterial connection between the two umbilical arteries near their placental insertion, plays a vital role in maintaining hemodynamic stability in fetal circulation. Despite being a...
Hyrtl's anastomosis, a transverse inter-arterial connection between the two umbilical arteries near their placental insertion, plays a vital role in maintaining hemodynamic stability in fetal circulation. Despite being a consistent finding in most term placentas, its functional role and clinical significance are underappreciated in perinatal medicine. This review explores the anatomy, physiological function, diagnostic assessment, and clinical implications of Hyrtl's anastomosis, with emphasis on its protective role in ensuring balanced placental perfusion and mitigating hemodynamic stress in compromised pregnancies. Its relevance in various obstetric conditions such as fetal growth restriction, twin pregnancies, and abnormal cord insertions is discussed. Advances in imaging and the role of placental pathology in evaluating Hyrtl's anastomosis are also highlighted. Hyrtl's anastomosis is a significant vascular protection in the fetoplacental circulation. Greater knowledge and targeted investigation into its presence, patency, and variability may improve our understanding of fetal adaptation mechanisms and help with risk stratification in high-risk pregnancies. Understanding this anatomical structure enhances diagnostic accuracy and informs clinical decision-making in fetal medicine.
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