Morphometric Study of Thyroid Cartilages in Western India.

Background: Morphometrical evaluation of the larynx has always been interesting for both morphologists and the physicians. A good understanding of the anatomy and the knowledge of variations in the laryngeal cartilages is important Objective: Objective of the present study was to collect exact and reliable morphometric data of thyroid cartilage in adult human larynx of regional population. Methods: The totals of 50 thyroid cartilage specimens were studied. The cartilages were preserved in 5% formalin. Themeasurementswere takenwith the help of Digital Vernier Caliper. The cartilages wereweighed on Single pan electronic balance. For each of the parameters, the mean, standard deviation (S.D.) and range was calculated. Results: Mean depth of superior thyroid notch was 9.7± 3.36 mm. Asymmetry between the length of superior horn of thyroid cartilages in left and right sides can be seen, but difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). It is observed that inner thyroid angle varies from55 to 1040and outer thyroid angle varies from53 to 990. In present study mean weight of thyroid cartilage was 6.70±1.55 grams. Conclusions: A fair amount of intersubject variability in the dimensions was observed. Bilateral asymmetry, though present in majority of specimens, was insignificant. Various dimensions of thyroid cartilages are smaller as compared to the western population.

Morphological Variations of Muscle Plantaris: Anatomical and Clinical Insight.

Background: Plantaris is the largest muscle in mammals other than primates. Plantaris muscle has been a subject of much confusion and Evolutionists have speculated on its phylogenetic significance, as a vestigial organ, while surgeons have removed it ‘useless vestige’ to employ its tendon as a spare part for the surgical repair. In humans it is reduced greatly in size, power, and function and may even be absent. Aim: With this background the aim of the present work is to study morphology, describe the observed variations of the Plantaris muscle, and to discuss the functional significance of Plantaris muscle. Methodology: For the present work 84 limbs available in the department of Anatomy were dissected. The posterior aspect of the knee was dissected using standard surgical equipment and dissection techniques. The Plantaris muscle was isolated and length of fleshy belly and tendon were measured. Any variations in origin, insertion and size were recorded. Result: Variation in insertion of the Plantaris has observed like insertion along medial margin of tendocalcaneus on to calcaneus, in front of tendocalcaneus on to calcaneus, fused to tendocalcaneus and insertion of the Plantaris on deep fascia of leg at the level of ankle. Other variations noted were two bellies of the Plantaris one from lateral supracondylar ridge and other from deep surface of Gastrocnemius, two heads of Plantaris: Both bellies were fused in the lower part producing bipennate arrangement, thin & thick belly of the Plantaris muscle. Variations also observed in relation to origin that the muscle is originating from deep surface of lateral head of Gastrocnemius & in other case origin from capsule. Bicipital Plantaris was seen where one head was originating from capsule of knee joint and other from lateral condyle. Conclusion: In order to avoid any inadvertent injury during surgical operations, variation of the Plantaris must be borne in mind. Awareness of the insertion pattern of the Plantaris tendon is also important for clinicians in the diagnosis of muscle tears and for surgeons performing reconstructive procedures. Considering the above facts, the existence and importance of the Plantaris muscle cannot be undermined.

Prevalence and Variations of Cartilago Triticea.

Background: Text-books in Anatomy describe the presence of ‘small and unimportant cartilage triticea (like a wheat grain)’. The lateral portion of thyrohyoid ligament is round cord like and very elastic and in its upper part contains a small nodule. The cartilage triticea probably reinforce the thyrohyoid ligament. It presumably adds to the strength of ligament. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of triticeous cartilage and to study its shape, dimensions and weight. Material and method: The study was carried out on 50 Laryngeal preparations from cadavers of both sexes. Presence/Absence of cartilage triticea was observed. The cartilages were cleaned and preserved in 5% formalin. Dimensions (length and diameter) of triticeous cartilages were measured with the help of digital Vernier caliper. The measurements were taken to the nearest 0.01 mm. The cartilages were weighed on Single pan electronic balance (sensitive to 0.01 gm). Result: In the present study prevalence of triticeous cartilages was 58 % (40% bilaterally and 18% unilaterally). The shapes varied from oval (44%) to spindle shaped (8%). Its length varied from 3.37 to 13.94 mm. Its diameter 2.4 to 4.79 mm.In one case unilaterally two cartilage triticea were found. Very interesting variation in lateral thyrohyoid ligament were observed varying from its complex absence due to the union of superior cornu of thyroid to greater cornu of hyoid. The weight of cartilage triticea was varying from 11 mg to as much as 109 mg. Conclusion: It seems that the prevalence of triticeal cartilage is quiet variable in studies carried out in the different population. Knowledge of shape size and location of cartilage triticea can be of great help in differentiating it from carotid atheroma and other dystrophic calcifications of soft tissue.

Zinc: The trace element of major importance in human nutrition and health.

Zinc is an essential element whose significance to health is increasingly appreciated. In 1961 essentiality of zinc for humans was recognized. A systematic literature search was done to identify relevant studies investigating the role of zinc in human health. This review concerns the importance of zinc in health and the consequences of its deficiency. Zinc deficiency leads to complications of pregnancy and childbirth, low birth weight and poor growth in childhood, reduced immunocompetence, and increased infectious disease morbidity. Pregnant women with zinc deficiency are at risk of premature labour and miscarriages, inefficient labour and delivery, stillbirths, lower mental ability of the child, retarded foetal growth and low immunity of both mother and baby. Zinc can reduce the duration, severity and incidence of diarrhoea in children. Zinc deficiency was indicated as a risk factor for immune deficiency and susceptibility to infection in the elderly. Zinc is used in preventive trials and treatment of diarrhoea, pneumonia, common cold, respiratory infections and malaria. Sufficient zinc is essential in maintaining immune system function. Supplementation of zinc and with other micronutrients may be beneficial during periods of greatest vulnerability such as early childhood, pregnancy and elderly. Ensuring adequate levels of zinc intake should be a key component in efforts to reduce illness.