ABSTRACT
Superficial palmar arterial arch is an arterial arcade, which is a dominant vascular structure of the palm. It is defined as the anastomoses between the superficial branch of the ulnar artery and the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. The superficial palmar arch completed by anastomosing with one of the branches of radial artery, i.e. with arteria radialis indicis, arteria princeps pollicis, arteria nervi mediana. The present study reporting a variation of superficial palmar arch which is formed alone by superficial branch of ulnar artery and it is also giving branches to radial side of index finger and to the thumb. Normally the branch to the radial side of index finger receives branch from superficial terminal branch of radial artery and it is known as arteria radiclis indicis. The ARI was given by ulnar artery from the terminal part of radial side along with the princeps pollicis branch. The knowledge of variations of the vascular arches warrants the surgeons while performing surgeries on hands, such as arterial repairs, vascular graft applications.
ABSTRACT
Background: Purpose of current study was to describe the variations in the complex network of terminal branches of facial nerve in the face. The facial nerve passes through the substance of parotid gland in the plane between superficial and deep lobes. The knowledge of variation in the branching pattern of terminal branches is very important for surgeons to prevent the injuries which may lead to facial palsy. Methods: The present study includes fifty foetal parotid glands in 25 foetuses and 8 adult parotid glands of 4 cadavers. The glands exposed in fixed fetuses and adult cadavers, capsules removed. The superficial lobe of the gland reflected laterally and the trunk of facial nerve in the substance was observed. The divisions and terminal branches were traced. The variations in the divisions and terminal branches, loops between branches were observed and noted. Results: In the foetal specimens the facial nerve divides into 2 main divisions in 88% of glands. The remaining 12% foetal specimens the facial nerve divides directly into 5 terminal branches. 56% foetal specimens show straight branching pattern, 12%specimens show looping between zygomatic and buccal branch. In 32% specimens the loop between upper buccal and lower buccal branches present. Multiple communications or complex pattern between two main divisions not found in this study. Conclusion: The variations noted are: In the foetal specimens the facial nerve divides into two main divisions in 88% and in all adult specimens. In 12% of foetal specimens direct five terminal branches are given.