DIAPHYSEAL NUTRIENT FORAMINA AND ARTERY OF TIBIA AND FIBULA / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

The diaphyseal nutrient foramina were examined in 246 tibia and 212 fibula from complete sets of Chinese adult skeleton collection.The length and diameter of these bones were also measured.The number,position and orientation of the nutrient foramina were more variable in fibula than in tibia. Though the position of the nutrient foramina of the shaft of these bones were vari- able,however there was a restricted area in which most of the foramina were located. The nutrient foramina of the tibia usually situated on the posterior surface near the junction between the upper and middle thirds of its length,and that of the fibula was on the posterior or medial surface within the upper portion of the middle third segment. The nutrient artery to tibia and fibula were dissected and observed in 100 cases. The nutrient artery to tibia may have various sources of origin,it may arise from the posterior tibial,anterior tibial,and fibular arteries or directly from the popliteal artery. It has a larger calibre and runs over a longer course.The nutrient artery to fibula is relatively small and short,and all originate from the fibular artery. Certain practical applications of the arteries are briefly discussed.