Analyzing The Age Related Changes In The Human Cochlear Nerve: A Qualitative Microscopic Study

Background: Cochlear nerve serves as one of the nodal point for enabling the passage of sound in both directions.The knowledge of age related morphological changes in human cochlear nerve is important to understand itsrole in the manifestation of sensori-neural presbycusis.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 21 human cochlear nerve samples, collected in 3 differentage groups (0-30 years, 31-50 years, 51 years and above). Resin embedding of cochlear nerves was done. Semithin (1 µm) cross sections of the nerves were cut by glass knife on Reichert Ultra-microtome. Under light microscope,toluidine blue stained nerve sections were studied for shape, organization of connective tissue and number offascicles.Results: Cochlear nerve was comma-shaped across all the age groups studied. Majority of the nerve sections hada blunt round head and sharp tail. Few sections had blunt tail also. Nerve fascicles were well defined in all the21 samples studied. The approximate number of fascicles across the various age groups varied from 60 to 85 pernerve. Numerous Schwann cells and numerous small sized blood vessels were found in the endoneurium of olderage group compared to younger and middle aged groups.Conclusion: However, we didn’t observe major qualitative changes across different age groups, but the presentstudy provides novel baseline morphological data on the human cochlear nerve.

Primary leiomyoma of the ovaries in a dog / 동물의과학연구지

We would like to report a case of leiomyoma of the ovaries in a dog. Leiomyoma is commonly seen in the vagina in dogs. However, it is a very rare neoplasm in the ovaries. As there have only been a few reported cases, this report provides valuable information on veterinary medicine and pathology. Masses found in the ovaries need to be differentiated from other ovarian tumors. Therefore, we describe the gross, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features of a case of ovarian leiomyoma in a 10-year-old female Yorkshire Terrier dog. The mass on the right of the uterus was found accidentally by pelvic ultrasonography. Laparatomy revealed a large multi-nodulated ovarian mass. Grossly, cut surfaces of the mass showed multiple firm whitish nodules in the cortex and bloody loose connective tissue in the medulla. Histopathologically, the cortex of the mass was composed of spindle cells forming interlacing fascicles. The cells had elongated, blunt-ended nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm as detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunohistochemical stained sections were immunoreactive for alpha-smooth muscle actin and desmin but negative for vimentin and S-100. Therefore, differential diagnosis confirmed leiomyoma based on morphology and positive staining for alpha-smooth muscle actin and desmin.

Extratemporal fascicular study of facial nerve in human

Peripheral nerves are structures exposed to physical, chemical and mechanical traumas. These lesions can cause a varying magnitude of damages, between which compression, distention and section, which culminate in motor, psychological and aesthetic alterations, mainly with facial expression nerves, like the facial nerve. The objective of this study was to verify the fascicular disposition of the facial nerve through its histology. Ten human cadaver heads, with ages between 53 and 66, were dissected. Extratemporal segments of the facial nerve were collected and routine techniques for histological microscopic evaluation were applied. Results showed that the extratemporal segments of the facial nerve analyzed are oligofascicular and polyfascicular, with a number of 3 to 8 fascicules. We conclude that knowledge on the fascicular organization of nerves, particularly the facial nerve, is paramount in surgical procedures using grafts, interfascicular sutures, among other microsurgeries which involve nerve restoration.

Third Nerve Palsy: An Overview.

Oculomotor nerve palsy may be congenital or acquired, complete or partial, pupil-sparing or pupil-involving, isolated or accompanied by signs of more extensive neurological involvement. Precise knowledge of its origin and course from nuclear level to terminal muscles along with accompanying clinical features helps in localizing the site of involvement and thus appropriate management. Associated symptoms are of extreme importance and patient should always be asked and assessed for headache, periocular or orbital pain.