An Autopsy Study of the Quantitative Anatomy of Human Heart

There is no uniformity in obtaining anthropological measurements of the heart. Measurementsvary according to the methods used by different authors. The normality standard for organ weights should be established in a specific reference sample for each population, as the normality values can be different under genetic and environmental influences. This study is aimed to determine the average values of quantitative anatomy of the adult heart for the Sri Lanka population using autopsy data with an attempt to determine the relationship with sociodemographic factors such as the body weight, age, gender and the body length. Designed as a descriptive cross-sectional prospective study, it was performed on fresh (unfixed) adult hearts recovered at medico-legal autopsy on deaths due to non-cardiac natural causes and miscellaneous unnatural causes for a period of one year. Systematic consecutive sampling method was used from September 2018 to September 2019. Only 122 samples (68 males and 54 females) were included from among 282 adult hearts collected during this period due to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Average weight of the heart, thicknesses of the inter-ventricular septum, free wall of the left ventricle and right ventricle for males and females were 296.1 g, 236.85 g, 9.71 mm, 9.52 mm, 1.28 cm, 1.19 cm and 3.41mm, 3.02mm respectively. Male heart weight, interventricular septal thickness and other findings were compatible with contemporary Eastern studies. Significant association was demonstrated in the wall thickness of right ventricle with gender (P- value being 0.038). Large scales multi centered studies to find out the normality standard for heart measurements in Sri Lankan population are recommended.

What Quantitative Anatomy Can Provide for Kinetics of Xylogenesis: Analysis of Cell Radial Diameters

A theoretical and experimental verification of a simple hypothesis was carried out in this study to determine if features of the anatomical structure of coniferous annual rings (in a case study of pine trees from moisture-deficient growth conditions in the steppe zone) quantified in tracheidograms of annual rings can be used to reconstruct the kinetics of seasonal growth. During two sharply different growth seasons, sampling was performed periodically, and seasonal growth of tree rings was measured where the forming annual ring was separated into zones (cambium, extension zone, zone of cell wall thickening, zone of mature tracheids). Based on these data and total tracheidograms, a simple scheme for converting the variability of the radial cell sizes into cumulative and differential cell production curves was proposed. Statistical analysis revealed both correspondence and discrepancies between theoretical and experimental data, showed the prospects of the proposed approach, and suggested the need for longer seasonal observations

Quantitative anatomy of the fused ossification center of the occipital squama in the human fetus

CT-based quantitative analysis of any ossification center in the cranium has not previously been carried out due to the limited availability of human fetal material. Detailed morphometric data on the development of ossification centers in the human fetus may be useful in the early detection of congenital defects. Ossification disorders in the cranium are associated with either a delayed development of ossification centers or their mineralization. These aberrations may result in the formation of accessory skull bones that differ in shape and size, and the incidence of which may be misdiagnosed as, e.g., skull fractures. The study material comprised 37 human fetuses of both sexes (16♂, 21♀) aged 18–30 weeks. Using CT, digital image analysis software, 3D reconstruction and statistical methods, the linear, planar and spatial dimensions of the occipital squama ossification center were measured. The morphometric characteristics of the fused ossification center of the occipital squama show no right—left differences. In relation to gestational age, the ossification center of the occipital squama grows linearly in its right and left vertical diameters, logarithmically in its transverse diameters of both the interparietal and supraoccipital parts and projection surface area, and according to a quadratic function in its volume. The obtained numerical findings of the occipital squama ossification center may be considered age-specific references of relevance in both the estimation of gestational age and the diagnostic process of congenital defects.

PEDIATRIC REFERENCE ANATOMY FOR ANTEROLATERAL LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION– A CADAVERIC STUDY

Background: The anatomy of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) has been controversial, with modern studies varying in their description of the precise origin and insertion, as well as relation to surrounding structures on the lateral femur and anterolateral tibia Regardless of such controversy, principles of reconstruction, even non-anatomic, require a clear understanding of the referenced anatomy and surrounding structures. Due to high rates of primary and recurrent ACL tears in pediatric/adolescent patients, the use of ALL reconstruction is increasing in these groups. No pediatric cadaveric study to date has clearly identified the locations of the known surrounding structures of the anterolateral ligamentous complex. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the anatomy of the pediatric lateral collateral ligament (LCL) origin, the popliteus origin, and in the tibial insertion of the iliotibioband (ITB). Methods: Nine pediatric cadaveric knee specimens were dissected to identify the ligamentous femoral origin of the LCL, popliteus, and tibial insertion of the ITB.. Marking pins were used to localize the central footprint of these structures, followed by CT Scans. Results: LCL & Popliteus: On the femur, the popliteus was consistently found deep to the LCL and inserted both distally and anteriorly to the LCL a mean distance of 4.6 mm (range 1.9 to 7.6 mm; std dev 2.0). The LCL measured a mean of 12.5 mm to the joint line while the popliteus measured a mean of 8.2 mm from the joint line. Both the LCL and popliteus were consistently distal to the physis. The LCL was a mean distance of 4.4 mm (range 1.0 - 9.5 ) and the popliteus was a mean distance of 8.2 (range 1.7 – 12.5), respectively. ITB insertion: The ITB insertion at Gerdy’s tubercle had an average footprint measuring 28.2 mm2 (range 10.3-58.4), and the ITB center was found proximal to the physis in 6 specimens and distal in 3 specimens. Mean distance from the footprint center to the physis was 1.6 mm proximal (range 7.1 mm proximal to 2.2 mm distal). Conclusion: This study provides quantitative anatomy to structures on the lateral femur and anterolateral tibia, commonly referenced in descriptions of the ALL and lateral extraarticular reconstruction techniques. Knowledge of these structures will define the anterolateral complex and guide extra-articular procedures that provide extraarticular anterolateral rotatory stabilization in the pediatric patients. [Figure: see text][Figure: see text]