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.

Origins of the coronary arteries and their significance

Objective: To describe the normal and variant anatomy of the coronary artery ostia in Indian subjects. Introduction: Anomalous coronary origins may cause potentially dangerous symptoms, and even sudden death during strenuous activity. A cadaveric study in an unsuspected population provides a basis for understanding the normal variants, which may facilitate determination of the prevalence of anomalies and evaluation of the value of screening for such anomalies. Methods: One hundred and five heart specimens were dissected. The number of ostia and their positions within the respective sinuses were observed. Vertical and circumferential deviations of the ostia were observed. The heights of the cusps and the ostia from the bottom of the sinus were measured. Results: No openings were present in the pulmonary artery or the non-coronary sinus. The number of openings in the aortic sinuses varied from 2-5 in the present series; multiple ostia were mostly seen in the anterior sinus. The majority of the ostia lay below the sinutubular ridge (89 percent) and at or above the level of the upper margin of the cusps (84 percent). Left ostial openings were mainly centrally located (80 percent), whereas the right coronary ostia were often shifted towards the right posterior aortic sinus (59 percent). Discussion: The preferential location of the ostia was within the sinus and above the cusps, but below the sinutubular ridge. On occasion, normal variants like multiple ostia, vertical or circumferential shift in the position, and slit-like ostia may create confusion in interpreting the images and pose a difficulty during procedures like angiography, angioplasty, and coronary artery bypass grafting.

Effect on mental stress on intermediate carbohydrate-and lipid-metabolism.

Changes in blood levels of Glucose, Pyruvic acid, Lactic acid, Glycogen, Free Fatty Acids and total Serum Cholesterol have been studied in normal healthy human adults under the effect of mental stresses of pre-examination tension and pre-operative apprehension. A highly significant rise in all the parameters was noted.