ABSTRACT
Background: The common carotid artery (CCA) divides at the level of superior border of thyroid cartilage. Theexternal carotid artery (ECA) is one of the terminal branches of CCA. ECA gives three anterior branches, Superiorthyroid (STA), Lingual (LA) and Facial arteries (FA). Therefore the present study was carried out to describe thelevel of bifurcation of CCA, its relations with anatomical landmarks and the morphometry of anterior branchesof ECA in relation to bifurcation of CCA.Methods: The present study was carried on 30 sagittal head and neck sections. The level of bifurcation of CCAwas noted. The distances from CCA bifurcation to the superior border of thyroid cartilage (SBTC), angle ofmandible, ear lobule were measured. The ddistances of STA, LA & FA from CCA bifurcation were also measured.Results: In 16 (53.33%) cases the bifurcation of CCA was observed at the level of SBTC, 2 (6.67%)It was between SBTC and hyoid bone, in 5 (16.67%) below SBTC and in 6 (20%) at the level of hyoid bone. The meandistances from the bifurcation of CCA to the SBTC was 24 ± 0.95mm, to the angle of the mandible was 31 ± 0.86mmand to the ear lobule was 54.8 ± 0.96mm. The mean distances of STA, LA and FA from CCA bifurcation were 7.2 ± 0.2,12 ± 0.45 and 17.6 ± 0.48 cm respectively.Conclusion: The anatomical study of CCA is useful for angiographies, thyroid and head and neck surgeries. Incase of common trunks, stenosis or occlusion may cause severe ischemic consequences and prone toatherosclerosis.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Identification and recognition of the cephalic vein (CV) in the deltopectoral triangle is of critical importance when considering emergency procedures. Therefore, the present cadaveric study was undertaken to identify the CV in the deltopectoral groove and its termination in the axillary vein with respect to the relevant anatomical landmarks. Material and methods: The length of the CV was taken from the lowest limit of the deltopectoral groove to its draining point into the axillary vein. The coracoid process (CP), first cost-chondral junction (CCJ) and the midclavicular point (MCP) were used as the landmarks and their distances from the drainage point of CV into the axillary vein were measured. Results: In all cadavers, the CV traversed the deltopectoral groove and terminated into the axillary vein. The mean length of the CV was 15.46 ± 1.57 cm. The distances of its drainage point from the sternoclavicular joint, midclavicular point, first costo-chondral junction and the coracoid process were 8.26 ± 0.99 cm, 3.51 ± 0.8 cm, 5.66 ± 0.71 cm and 5.16 ± 0.8 cm respectively. Conclusion: The present anatomical study describes the location of cephalic vein in relation to the anatomical landmarks which would be commonly used in the intervention procedures in this region.
ABSTRACT
Background: The corpus callosum (CC) comprises axons connecting the cortices of the two cerebral hemispheres and is the principal white matter fiber bundle in the brain Morphological characteristics of fetal corpus callosum are of value from embryologic and diagnostic points of view. Knowledge of fetal callosal size is an essential prerequisite for the study of its changes during infancy and childhood. Methods: The study included twenty four formalin fixed fetuses ranging from 25 to 40 weeks obtained from department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College. The measurements taken were; frontal pole to occipital pole, anterior most point to posterior most point of CC, frontal pole of brain to anterior most point of CC, occipital pole of brain to posterior most point of CC, anterior edge of splenium to superior most point of superior colliculus and thickness of body of CC. Results: Spearman’s correlation test was used to determine the correlation between different parameters. A strong positive correlation was found between the length and gestational age (r=0.69), between thickness and gestational age (r=0.4) and between length and thickness of corpus callosum (r=0.5). Conclusions: Length and thickness of corpus callosum was found to increase proportionally to gestational age but it was not statistically significant. The growth of CC was proportional to the growth of brain. The precise anatomical knowledge regarding the morphology and growth of corpus callosum will provide baseline data for the diagnosis and assessment of progression of a disease affecting it.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Nourishment for the brain, a highly vascular organ, is derived from a unique structure called the 'circle of Willis', which is formed by the terminal branches of the internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and basilar arteries (BAs). The circle of Willis forms an anastomotic link between the carotid and vertebrobasilar systems in the arterial supply of the brain, while the BA forms an important component of the brain's posterior circulation and supplies its many vital parts.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A study was performed on 20 brain specimens used for routine dissections at the Anatomy Department, Kasturba Medical College, in order to examine the morphology of BAs in the brain.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In most specimens, the position of the termination of BA was normal, although variations were present in the mode of termination. In one specimen, the BA terminated by dividing into two superior cerebellar arteries. The posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) arose from ICAs on both sides in this specimen, and a communicating branch was present between the terminal point of the BA and PCA on the left. In another specimen, unilateral variation was seen, with the PCA arising from the ICA on the right and a posterior communicating artery arising from the PCA, connecting it with the BA. The anatomy on the left side was normal.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>We highlight the morphological aspects of the BA, the knowledge of which would help neurosurgeons safely diagnose, as well as plan and execute vascular bypass and shunting procedures for the treatment of stenosis, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations in the posterior cranial fossa.</p>