Structure and surgical dissection layers of the bare area of the liver.

BACKGROUND: The bare area was reportedly formed by direct adhesion between the liver and diaphragm, meaning that the bare area lacked serosal components. This study aimed to analyze the structure of the bare area by an integrated study of surgical and laparoscopic images and pathological studies and describe surgical procedures focusing on the multilayered structure. METHODS: Several surgical specimens of hepatectomy were analyzed histologically to evaluate the macroscopic structure of the bare area. Laparoscopic images and cadaver anatomy of the bare area were also examined. RESULTS: The multilayered structure of the bare area comprised the liver, sub-serosal connective tissue, liver serosa, parietal peritoneum, retroperitoneal connective tissue, epimysium of the diaphragm, and diaphragm, in order from the liver to the diaphragm. The liver serosa and the parietal peritoneum fused with each other. This multilayered structure of the bare area is observed almost constantly. There are two layers in the dissection of the bare area in surgical procedures, an outer layer of the fused peritoneum (near the diaphragm) and an inner layer of the fused peritoneum (near the liver). Laparoscopic images enabled us to recognize the multilayered structure of the bare area. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological findings showed the bare area to be a multilayered structure. In cases where tumors are located underneath the bare area, it could be important to dissect the bare area, with careful attention to its multilayered structure. Surgical dissection of the bare area in the outer layer of the fused peritoneum could allow a sufficient safety margin.

[Scientific interpretation of membrane anatomy theory and standardized application of membrane anatomy terms].

There has been an upsurge of the theory of membrane anatomy in China, but it is still in the initial stage of establishing preliminary framework. The concept of fasciae in membrane anatomy actually refers to the fasciae constituting the particular plane or the 'holy plane'. Therefore, the membrane anatomy can't simply be defined as the anatomical relationship among fascia. The application of the membrane anatomy is also not just to pursue the avascular plane in the surgical field. Nowadays, nonstandard anatomical terms and diversification of views impede the development of the theory of the membrane anatomy. Fasciae occur in embryonic stage, undergo a series of changes in rotation and fusion, and lose the original features, which bring difficulties in understanding the anatomy of fasciae. In this paper, we restore the origin and continuity of fasciae related to the colorectal surgery by cadaveric study, surgical observation and literature review. Taking the TME for example, we also discuss the core content about the fasciae and plane related to 'mesenteric envelope' and complete mesorectal excision. From the perspective of the fasciae integrity, we illustrate the definitions of important anatomical structure and standardized the terminology of fasciae. To study the origin and architecture of fasciae in the view of embryology, integrity and continuity will contribute to establish the standard theoretical system of membrane anatomy.

Subperitoneal extension of disease processes between the chest, abdomen, and the pelvis.

The subserous space is a large, anatomically continuous potential space that interconnects the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. The subserous space is formed from areolar and adipose tissue, and contains branches of the vascular, lymphatic, and nervous systems. As such, it provides one large continuous space in which many disease processes can spread between the chest, abdomen, and the pelvis.

Anatomical and histological characteristics of the intestine of the topmouth culter (Culter alburnus).

UNLABELLED: With 3 figures and 1 table SUMMARY: Topmouth culter (Culter alburnus), a freshwater carnivorous fish of the Cyprinidae, is one of the most popular fish species in aquatic market in China. The anatomy and histology features of fish intestine are very useful for understanding digestive physiology, diagnosing some intestinal diseases and formulating suitable feeds. Thus, here we first characterize topmouth culter intestine via light microscope, transmission electron microscope and scan electron microscope. The 'Z' shaped intestine can be divided into three parts (e.g. the anterior intestine, middle intestine and posterior intestine), with an intestinal coefficient of 0.68. The anterior intestine possessed the longest mucosa folds and thickest muscularis among the three intestinal parts, and microvilli were very well-developed whilst many mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulums and lysosomes were found in which. This indicated the anterior intestine was a main region for digestion and absorption of food in the topmouth culter. While the vacuoles observed in the posterior intestine may be closely related to the intracellular digestion. Neutral and acid mucus were strongly present throughout the intestine. This detailed descriptive paper will be very helpful for studies of topmouth culter related to its digestive physiology, intestinal disease control and feed nutrient.

New serosal lined antireflux ureteroileal implantation technique on a gia stapler detubularised ileal neobladder: technical considerations and results.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the adaptability and the possible advantages of the antireflux mechanism of the serous lined extramural tunnel for ureter re-implantation on a gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) Stapler detubularised ileal neobladder METHODS: From April 1998 to July 2002 43 male patients underwent radical cystectomy and the creation of a Camey II ileal neobladder using this antireflux technique. Follow-up in all cases included excretory urography or T.C. scan and a retrograde cystography at 6 months and a renal scintigraphy with DMSA at 1 year follow-up, besides serum creatinine, blood urea and serum electrolytes every three months and renal-neovesical ultrasound every six months. RESULTS: Early and late complications were low. At follow-up 1 case of neovesico-ureteral reflux and 2 cases of ureteroileal anastomotic strictures were found. DMSA scintigraphy showed no further renal scars. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience was favourable due to overall reduced operating time (about 1 hour 45 minutes to create the orthotopic neobladder and the ureteroileal anastomosis), simplicity of execution and a low complication rate (6.9%) at a median follow-up of 38 months (range 12-52 months).

Serous cutaneous glands in new world hylid frogs: an ultrastructural study on skin poisons confirms phylogenetic relationships between Osteopilus septentrionalis and Phrynohyas venulosa.

Transmission electron microscope investigations of the serous (poison) skin glands in the New World tree frogs Osteopilus septentrionalis and Phrynohyas venulosa revealed that they produce granules with closely similar substructures, namely, a dense cortex and pale medulla. In both species these features, that contrast the complex, sometimes repeating patterns described in other hylid frogs, derive from similar secretory and maturational processes starting from the Golgi phase of poison biosynthesis. Observations on secretory discharge showed that the two species share common release mechanisms, based on bulk discharge (holocrine) processes. Our data provide novel evidence of the extensive ultrastructural polymorphism of serous skin products in Hylidae and agree with phylogenies that regard this family as polyphyletic in origin. Assuming that ultrastructural features of cutaneous poison biosynthesis and maturation are adequate clues for tracking anuran phylogeny, the present findings also support a close relationship between Osteopilus and Phrynohyas taxa as previously suggested by osteological evidence.

Stereologic characteristics of pig small intestine during normal development.

Stereologic methods were used to study the behavior of the pig's intestinal wall during periods that are characterized by a high incidence of gastrointestinal disorders. For this purpose conventionally stained transverse and vertical paraffin sections were made of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) of fetal, neonatal, and weaned pigs. The volumes of the intestinal walls were estimated using Cavalieri's method. Subsequently, the surface density (Sv) of the tunica mucosa and the volume densities (Vv) of the different small intestinal elements were estimated. Finally, the surface and volumes per serosal surface area (Ss and Vs) were calculated. The decrease of Sv can be attributed to the finding that the mucosal surface increases to a lesser extent compared with the volume of the intestinal wall. The Vs of the various layers increased postnatally, illustrating that the intestinal wall thickens. Despite an increasing total mucosal surface, this postnatal thickening causes Ss to decline. Each of these changes is temporally related to dietary changes, an increased antigen load, and an increased need for protection. Additionally, the regional differences of the various parameters match the qualitative descriptions of the small intestine of the pig and relate to region-specific functions.

Comparative morphology and histochemistry of glands associated with the vomeronasal organ in humans, mouse lemurs, and voles.

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a chemosensory structure of the vertebrate nasal septum that has been recently shown to exist in nearly all adult humans. Although its link to reproductive behaviors has been shown in some primates, its functionality in humans is still debated. Some authors have suggested that the human VNO has the capacity to detect pheromones, while others described it as little more than a glandular pit. However, no studies have utilized histochemical techniques that would reveal whether the human VNO functions as a generalized gland duct or a specialized chemosensory organ. Nasal septal tissue from 13 humans (2-86 years old) were compared to that of two adult lemurs (Microcebus murinus) and eight adult voles (four Microtus pennsylvanicus and four Microtus ochrogaster). Sections at selected intervals of the VNO were stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), alcian blue (AB), AB-PAS, and PAS-hematoxylin procedures. Results revealed typical well-developed VNOs with tubuloacinar glands in Microtus and Microcebus. VNO glands were AB-negative and PAS-positive in voles and mouse lemurs. Homo differed from Microtus and Microcebus in having more branched, AB and PAS-positive glands that emptied into the VNO lumen. Furthermore, the human VNO epithelium had unicellular mucous glands (AB and PAS-positive) and cilia, similar to respiratory epithelia. These results demonstrate unique characteristics of the human VNO which at once differs from glandular ducts (e.g., cilia) and also from the VNOs of mammals possessing demonstrably functional VNO.

[The histotopography of the gastroduodenal junction]. / Gistotopografiia gastroduodenal'nogo perekhoda.

Morphometrical parameters of the anterior, posterior, superior and inferior walls of gastroduodenal passage have been investigated in 26 preparations. Three anatomical forms of the pyloric sphincter were distinguished. Histotopography of vessels and nerves in gastroduodenal passage and their distribution in the walls of the passage have been investigated.

Morphological features of the minor salivary glands.

The minor salivary glands are important components of the oral cavity, present in most parts of the mouth, and their secretions directly bathe the tissues. Individual glands are usually in the submucosa between muscle fibres, and consist of groups of secretory endpieces made up of mucous acinar cells and serous or seromucous demilune cells. The ductal systems comprise intercalated ducts, intralobular ducts usually lacking basal striations, and excretory ducts opening directly through the mucosa Minor glands secrete highly glycosylated mucins, containing blood group determinants, and probably active in tissue lubrication and bacterial aggregation. They also secrete several antimicrobial proteins and immunoglobulins, and the lingual serous (von Ebner's) glands secrete digestive enzymes and proteins with possible taste perception functions. Minor gland morphology and function can conveniently be studied in the rat. There are substantial differences between major and minor salivary glands, as well as among the minor glands, in the nature and composition of their mucous and serous secretory products. The role of minor salivary glands in the function and defence of the oral cavity may be better understood as a result of new physiological and molecular methods applicable to samples of limited size and availability.

The subserous thoracoabdominal continuum: embryologic basis and diagnostic imaging of disease spread.

This report establishes and details the clinical concept of the subperitoneal space and the subpleural space as components of the continuum formed by the subserous space. The subserous space is an anatomic plane formed in the embryo that persists during development into the adult. This is the basis of the thoracoabdominal continuum. The embryologic development is presented from the viewpoint not of the contents and their relationships within the developing coelomic cavity but rather that of a continuous space deep to the lining serous membrane. Clinical material is presented that illustrates different disease processes that can directly spread in either direction within this continuum. This unifying concept provides an understanding of the pathogenesis of direct spread of disease processes within and between the thorax and abdomen.

Serous gland dimorphism in the skin of Melanophryniscus stelzneri (Anura: Bufonidae).

Two serous gland types (I and II) in the skin of the Argentine toad Melanophryniscus stelzneri were discovered using light and electron microscopy. Glands of the two types differ in several traits: features of the products (both mature and immature), organelles involved in biosynthesis, and paths of serous maturation. No consistent differences, however, were detected between the myoepithelial sheaths encircling the secretory units. Type I glands manufacture vesicles containing a single dense body with a repeating substructure and conform to the fundamental secretory line of bufonid skin, a secretory line involved in biosynthesis of steroids. Type II glands synthesize granules of varying densities and seem to belong to a line of glands that secrete proteinaceous products. The occurrence of the two serous gland types in Melanophryniscus stelzneri is discussed in a comparison with current literature on the morphofunctional characteristics of anuran poison glands, which perform both regulative and defensive roles. It is suggested that di- or polymorphism in serous glands is an adaptive trait that allows differential release of active molecules on the body surface.

The riddle of the uvula.

Since ancient times, the uvula has been a subject of interesting and contradictory observations. On the one hand, it was regarded as having a functional role in speech and in immunology, but on the other hand it was regarded as a potentially hazardous organ, possibly responsible for sudden infant death syndrome. None of these hypotheses, however, has been proved. In a previous study on patients undergoing uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, we suggested that the most important function of the uvula is connected with the muscularis uvula. Its function could be related to drinking while bending over. This previous assumption was that the uvula is a phylogenetic remnant from mammals that drink while bending their neck downward. In the present study, the soft palate of eight different mammals was macroscopically and microscopically studied and compared. Of all animals in the study, a small underdeveloped uvula was found only in two baboons. We found that the human uvula consists of an intermix of serous and seromucous glandular masses, muscular tissue, and large excretory canals. The serous and seromucous glands are absent in the other mammals. Thus, the uvula is a highly sophisticated structure, capable of producing a large quantity of fluid saliva that can be excreted in a short time. Both uvula and speech serve to differentiate human beings from animals. Our conclusion is that the uvula is possibly an accessory organ of speech, and may be another marker of human evolution that differentiates man from other mammals.

Seromuscular enterocystoplasty in rats.

Enterocystoplasty is commonly used in clinical practice. Many of its undesirable effects, that is infections, stones, mucus production, absorption of urinary components into the blood stream and risk of cancer, result from the intestinal mucosa lining the urinary tract. We report on the feasibility of creating an enterocytoplasty with a seromuscular colonic segment that acquires a transitional epithelial lining. Augmentation enterocystoplasty was performed in 51 male, 500 gm., Sprague-Dawley rats with a 1.82 cm.2 patch of left colon from which the mucosa had been stripped. The serosal surface was used as lining for the enterocystoplasty. The intestinal patch and the bladder capacity at known pressure were measured at operation and at sacrifice. The histology of the enterocystoplasty was studied in detail following sacrifice. Of the animals 40 survived without significant complications and were sacrificed at a mean postoperative time of 30 days (range 5 to 80 days). In the remaining 11 rats a bladder stone developed but it did not seem to affect the outcome of the experiment. The size of the patch could be measured in 22 rats: it was 1.82 cm.2 (standard deviation +/- 0.86) at operation and 2.30 cm.2 (standard deviation +/- 1.1) at sacrifice. In none of the rats did the patch decrease in size. The bladder capacity at a known pressure (mean 17 cm. water) could be measured in 26 animals: it was 2.35 ml. (standard deviation +/- 0.65) at operation and 5.18 ml. (standard deviation +/- 1.19) at sacrifice. Histological analysis was done in 40 rats. In all cases the serosal surface was lined with transitional epithelium, there was no fibrosis or inflammation and the structure of the muscular layer of the bowel remained intact. The earliest growth of uroepithelium in the serosal surface of the bowel was noted at 5 days. This model suggests that the seromuscular enterocystoplasty can be constructed successfully in the rat model. The seromuscular intestinal patch does not shrink. The bladder capacity increases and histology shows a uroepithelial lining of the augmentation.

Anatomy and histology of the cervix uteri of the ewe: new insights.

The gross and microscopical anatomy of the cervix uteri of the ewe has been studied in an attempt to provide a three-dimensional description of the cervix as it relates to the histological appearance cervical tissue sections. Casts of the inside of the cervical lumen show its convoluted structure consisting of six circular folds, the second fold being eccentric to the other concentric folds and acting as a physiological barrier. Previous histological descriptions of the ovine cervix have failed to provide a clear understanding of the complex structure of its wall. The cervical wall of the ewe comprises five defined layers. The structure of the circular folds is comparatively simple as they consist only of the two deeper layers.