Investigation of the effects of experimental cryptorchidism formed in prepubertal rats during the postpubertal and adult periods.

OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the effects of experimental cryptorchidism formed in prepubertal rats during the postpubertal and adult periods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The abdominal cavities of 20 rats in the control group were just opened and closed without any further surgical procedure. The testicles of 20 rats in the experimental group were fixed to the anterolateral wall of the abdominal cavity under general anesthesia. At the 6th month, blood and testis tissue samples of rats were obtained and the rats were sacrificed and the experiment was terminated. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 15.0 package software. RESULTS: The histopathological evaluation of testicular tissues of rats in the control group was in the normal limits. Of the experimental group, the testicular tissues had injury in nearly half of the rats, in which the testicles were fixed in the abdomen for three months that is the 1st subgroup. FSH levels were statistically significantly elevated in both experimental groups of rats (p<0.01). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Cryptorchidism formed experimentally causes a partial damage in the testicular tissue of pubertal rats, however the damage increases gradually in the testicles of rats, in which the testicles were descended and left in the scrotum for another three months. The statistically elevated levels of FSH in both experimental groups of rats can be accounted for severe testicular damage. The timing in descending the undescended testicles to the scrotum is essential and should be performed before the puberty and as early as possible in avoiding the risk of infertility (Tab. 3, Fig. 5, Ref. 44).

C-2 anterior plate-screw fixation: a quantitative anatomical and morphometric evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: Discectomy and inter-vertebral body fusion combined with the anterior plate-screw fixa tion is the common procedure in cervical spine surgery. But the anterior plate-screw fixation of the C2 spine has been the uncommon surgical procedure. In this study, we analyze the anatomy of the C2 body relevant to C2 anterior plate-screw fixation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-six dried C2 spines were evaluated directly for this study. Measurements were made on the C2 body width and midsagittal anteroposterior (AP) depth and the anteroposterior parasagittal depth 5 mm lateral to midline on the inferior endplates, in addition to on the middle body. Measurements also were made of anteroposterior parasagittal vertebral depth with both medial and lateral inclination of 10 degrees, with respect to the parasagittal plane of the vertebral body. RESULTS: The ideal maximum screw length and trajectory was found to be AP medial parasagittal depth of inferior surface of the C2 body [Right: 13.7 +/- 1.4 mm (11.0-17.9), Left: 13.6 +/- 1.5 mm (10.7-17.8)]. CONCLUSIONS: We report the measurements of the vertebral body of the C2. We think these measurements provide guidelines for operating on the anterior C2 spine, and enhance the confidence interval for the surgeon (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 24).

Landmarks of the sacral hiatus for caudal epidural block: an anatomical study.

BACKGROUND: This study determined the landmarks for caudal epidural block (CEB) after morphometric measurements of the sacral hiatus on dry sacral bones. Anatomical features of the sacral hiatus of clinical importance during CEB, along with distances and angles of use in detecting the apex, were measured. This provides detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the sacral hiatus and practical landmarks. METHODS: Ninety-six dry sacral bones were used. Anatomical measurements were made with a Vernier caliper accurate to 0.1 mm. RESULTS: Two sacral bones were excluded since they had total posterior closure defect. Agenesis of the sacral hiatus was detected in six sacral bones. As the posterior superior iliac spines impose on the superolateral sacral crests of the sacrum, the latter were accepted as forming the base of a triangle. The distance between the two superolateral sacral crests and the distances between the sacral apex and the right and left superolateral sacral crest were 66.5 (SD 53.5), 67.1 (10.0) and 67.5 (9.5) mm respectively, on average. CONCLUSION: The triangle formed between the apex of the sacral hiatus and the superolateral sacral crests was found to have the features of an equilateral triangle. The sacrum and sacral hiatus are variable anatomical structures. However, the equilateral triangle located between the apex of the sacral hiatus and superolateral sacral crests will certainly be of use in determining the location of the sacral hiatus during CEB.

The comparative investigation of morphology of papillary muscles of left ventricle in different species.

The papillary muscles of the heart are conical projections into the respective chamber of myocardium covered by endocardium. Functionally, the papillary muscles are important part of the respective valve complex. They prevent the cusps of a valve from being everted when the ventricle contracts. Our study was conducted on papillary muscles in left ventricle of 135 normal adult hearts (20 humans, 25 dogs, 60 sheep and 30 goats). The length (L), width (W), head number (HN), angle with ventricular wall (A degrees ), distance with annulus (AnD) and apex (ApD), and the shapes of the anterior and posterior papillary muscles were observed. The tendinous chords (CTN) attached to each papillary muscle were counted at their origin. The values of both anterior and posterior papillary muscles were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in measurements of L, W, HN, A degrees and AnD of all species, but those of CTN and ApD were significant (p < 0.05) between human and animal hearts, while the difference was not significant (p > 0.05) between sheep and goat hearts. Knowledge of morphology of papillary muscles in different species will be of much use to clinical investigators in their studies.

Head circumference measurement of urban children aged between 6 and 12 in Malatya, Turkey.

Head circumference (HC) is one of the most significant findings in physical examination, especially in the evaluation of the development and early diagnosis of neurological disorders in children. In the standard charts for developmental evaluation of Turkish children, there is no HC reference values for children over 6 years of age. Since the HC standards show differences among races and generations, many researchers have obtained normal values for their own populations, and recommend periodic reevaluation of these standards. In this study, the HC of 1826 healthy children (945 male, 881 female) aged between 6 and 12 years was measured in order to establish the Turkish standards. The sample represented various socioeconomic levels in the city of Malatya, Turkey. The study was conducted in ten schools and measurements were done twice by a pediatrician and the mean was recorded. Charts and graphs for boys and girls were prepared separately. Results were compared to the values of other populations. HC values of Turkish children were similar to that of Irish children. The data obtained in this study may replace the Nelhaus criteria to be used in clinics. However, a more widespread study should be carried out by including children from different regions of Turkey.

Bilateral accessory flexor digitorium longus muscle in man.

An accessory muscle (flexor digitorum longus accessorius) was encountered in the deep posterior compartment of both legs of a 57-year-old male cadaver. The muscle originated with two heads from the medial margin of the tibia, lateral margin of the fibula, posterior intermuscular septum and the deep fascia at the distal part of the leg. Both heads came together just posterior and superficial to the tibial nerve, and converged into a slender tendon which traversed the tarsal tunnel in the vicinity of the neurovascular bundle to reach the sole of the foot. It terminated by merging into the tendon of the quadratus plantae muscle. The potential of such an anomalous muscle to lead to misinterpretations of the radiodiagnostic examinations and the fact that it can be one of the causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome should be borne in mind.

Variant innervation of the coracobrachialis muscle and unusual course of the musculocutaneous nerve in man.

During the educational gross anatomy dissections of the upper extremities of 60 embalmed cadavers in our laboratory, the coracobrachialis muscle was found to be innervated by a nerve branch arising from the lateral root of the median nerve, but not from the musculocutaneous nerve nor from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus. Also the musculocutaneous nerve was found not to pierce the coracobrachialis muscle and to course downwards medial to it. The combination of two variations was seen in the right arm of a 64-year-old Turkish female cadaver. No other abnormality was observed in the branching pattern of the brachial plexus on both sides.

Anomalous insertional slip of latissimus dorsi muscle: arcus axillaris.

An anomalous muscular slip arising from the latissimus dorsi m. was encountered on the right side of a male cadaver during a dissection in our laboratory. The slip left the muscular part of the latissimus dorsi 8 cm distal to its insertion, coursed superolaterally anterior to the neurovascular structures and was inserted into the coracobrachialis fascia. The morphology of the additional slip and its possible clinical implications are discussed.

Location of the ostia of the renal arteries in the aorta.

A total of 30 adult abdominal aorta specimens dissected from cadavers was used in our study. The location of the ostium of the superior mesenteric a. relative to the ostium of the celiac trunk was identified on the aortic wall. Following this, the locations of the ostia of the renal aa. on the internal wall of the abdominal aorta were examined relative to the ostia of the arteries mentioned earlier. The ostium of the superior mesenteric a. was usually localized on the inferior-right side of the ostium of the celiac trunk. The mean value of the distance between the ostia was 17.9 mm. The ostium of the right renal a. was more cranial than the ostium of the left renal a. (53.3%). However, the ostia of both right and left renal aa. were at the same level in three cases (10%). Locations of the ostia of the renal aa. were usually on the lateral and anterolateral regions of the aortic wall. This study was carried out in order to contribute to selective angiography and surgical interventions for the removal and transplantation of organs, particularly of the kidney. Our results are compared with previous similar studies in man.

Accessory extensor carpi radialis muscle and interconnecting muscular bundle.

An accessory muscle and a muscular bundle were found and prepared in both forearms of a 55-year-old male cadaver. On the left side, the accessory muscle-originated from the medial aspect of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle, coursed downwards, crossed posterior to the tendon of ECRB, passed through the second chamber of the extensor retinaculum and inserted into the base of second metacarpal bone. Additionally, a muscular bundle was observed between the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) and ECRB muscles. On the right side, both ECRL and ECRB had bifid tendons. The long and thin additional tendon of ECRL coursed downwards and joined the accessory tendon of the ECRB before entering the second chamber of the extensor retinaculum and the common tendon inserted into the base of the second metacarpal bone.

Coincidence of bilateral hypogenesis and unilateral agenesis of the turbinates (conchae nasales) in man.

OBJECTIVE: In a work concerning the anatomy of the ostiomeatal complex, an interesting variation was encountered. The head of a male cadaver was cut midsagittally, and the lateral nasal wall was examined. On the right lateral nasal wall, concha nasalis media and inferior were hypogenetic. But on the left lateral nasal wall concha nasalis media was hypogenetic and concha nasalis inferior was not developed at all (agenetic). CONCLUSION: This rare variation should also be borne in mind by the surgeons dealing with the nasal cavity.

Endoscopic anatomic distances on the lateral nasal wall.

OBJECTIVE: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery has become popularized during the last decade all over the world. Knowledge about the intricate anatomy of the nasal cavity, the ethmoid labyrinth, and related structures is of vital importance for the endoscopic sinus surgeon to avoid probable complications. This study was undertaken to provide a set of reference distances to the endoscopic surgeons. METHOD: In this surgical anatomic study, the distances of special anatomic landmarks from the anterior nasal spine were measured during the endoscopic dissection. The procedure was performed in 50 cadavers and measurements were done by the use of straight surgical guide under endoscopic vision. CONCLUSIONS: Optimum attention should be concentrated on vital structures such as optic nerve and internal carotid artery at posterior rhinobasis after approximately 75 mm. Surgical distances of critical anatomic landmarks on the lateral nasal wall from anterior nasal spine should be kept in mind during surgical interventions.

Accessory muscular bundles arising from biceps femoris muscle.

Two kinds of accessory muscle bundles arising from the long head of the biceps femoris muscle were encountered in a 20-year-old Turkish female cadaver during routine dissections. The one occurred on both sides, each arising from the lower portion of the long head of the muscle and passed deep to the fascia of the popliteal fossa to be inserted into the crural fascia. The other one which was observed only on the right side, arose from the upper portion of this head to be inserted into the semitendinosus muscle.

High origin of gonadal arteries associated with other variations.

In two cases, one male and one female, the gonadal arteries, together with accessory renal arteries, originated from the abdominal aorta at a higher level than normal. The variation was bilateral in the male and unilateral in the female. Associated unusual findings in one of these cases (male cadaver) were: a. external lobation of the kidneys, b. slight lateral rotation of the kidneys, more pronounced on the right side, c. a right middle suprarenal artery and a parenchymal branch to the kidney arising from the right testicular artery by a common trunk. Additionally, the right kidneys were at a higher position than the left kidneys in both of the cases. Embryological as well as surgical aspects are discussed.