Folia morphologica最新文献

{"title":"Occipitalisation of the atlas: museological case-studies and review of population-based studies.","authors":"Aleksandra Gawlikowska-Sroka, Alba A Bastanza, Ileana Micarelli, Elisabetta Aloisi Masella, Janusz Moryś, Giorgio Manzi, Jacek Szczurowski, Edyta Dzięciołowska-Baran","doi":"10.5603/fm.108178","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/fm.108178","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Occipitalisation of the atlas, or atlanto-occipital fusion (AOF), is an anomaly of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). It may be either congenital or acquired and can result in marked asymmetry and stenosis of the foramen magnum. Additionally, it may contribute to spinal instability and the development of neurological symptoms. The study aims to investigate the presence of this condition in a museological collection from Italy, reaffirming the importance of museum collections in the study of human variability. It also compiles previously reported cases of AOF to provide a comparative framework across modern and ancient populations.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We analysed 126 human crania housed at the Museum of Anthropology \"Giuseppe Sergi\", Sapienza University of Rome. Of these, 18 specimens were excluded due to taphonomic fractures involving the foramen magnum region. Consequently, 108 crania were deemed suitable for analysis. Standard anthropological techniques were employed to assess biological profiles, including sex and age estimation. Macroscopic analysis specifically targeted the identification of AOF and potential comorbidities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this museological sample, we identified two cases of occipitalization of the atlas, both exhibiting partial fusion. The first case (Cranium 5293), a late adult male, presented a bifid posterior arch and a paracondylar tubercle. The second case (Cranium 5309), a young adult male, presented a well-formed atlas and showed the fusion of the right transverse process with a paracondylar process.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The two cases of AOF identified are consistent with most known morphological patterns of this condition. While acknowledging the inherent limitations of skeletal samples for epidemiological interpretations, our findings contribute to the most comprehensive review of AOF prevalence records to date. We emphasise the need for improved methodological transparency and broader geographical representation in future research to better understand AOF's anatomical and anthropological significance.</p>","PeriodicalId":12251,"journal":{"name":"Folia morphologica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147442977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Variation in the course of the common carotid artery and its branches as predisposing factors for stroke.","authors":"Angela Babuci, Nadia Ostahi, Ilia Catereniuc, Anastasia Bendelic, Zinovia Zorina, Igor Cemortan, Elena Stepco, Sofia Lehtman, Gabriela Motelica, Stanislav Strisca, Ion Dabija, Lora Gitu, Olga Cheptanaru, Andrei Mostovei","doi":"10.5603/fm.108845","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/fm.108845","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Considering the tremendous role of the carotid artery system for the nourishment of the brain, sensory organs and other morphological structures of the head and neck, knowledge about variation in the course of the carotid arteries is of high clinical significance. Thus, the aim of our study was to determine the variations in the course of the common carotid artery (CCA) and of its main branches, emphasizing the most susceptible variants for stroke development.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A retrospective study on 210 computed tomography angiographs of 118 males and 92 females, with a mean age of 64.2 ± 13.82 years was carried out. The RadiAnt DICOM Viewer 2024.1 software for three-dimensional reconstruction, visualization and morphometry of the CCAs was used. For the statistical analysis predefined EXCEL functions were applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In 25.23% the CCA originated from the bovine arch and in 0.95% from the bicarotid trunk. Variations in the course of the CCA and its main branches were represented by tortuosity (37.61%); kinking (34.28%); coiling (0.95%); \"kissing\" (2.38%). Passage under the hyoid bone of CCA was registered in 2.38%; of the internal carotid artery (ICA) - in 1.42% and of the external carotid artery (ECA) - in 2.38%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In 1/4 of the cases, the CCA derived from the bovine arch. The most common variations in the carotid arteries course were tortuosity and kinking, followed by \"kissing\" and coiling. A course under the hyoid bone was established for each carotid artery. All the revealed variants of the carotid arteries course are significant in terms of risk for stroke development, nevertheless, in kinking with sharp angulations the rick is higher.</p>","PeriodicalId":12251,"journal":{"name":"Folia morphologica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146178643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Layered relationship of Langer's axillary arch with the axillary neurovascular bundle: a cadaveric case report.","authors":"Yuri Seu, Mi-Sun Hur","doi":"10.5603/fm.109526","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/fm.109526","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Langer's axillary arch (LAA) is a common muscular variant in the axilla, yet detailed descriptions of its layered and level-dependent relationships with the axillary neurovascular bundle remain limited.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>During routine educational dissection of a 79-year-old Korean male cadaver, a right-sided LAA was identified. The arch examined sequentially by anatomical layer. Morphometric data were obtained using a digital caliper. The LAA arose from the latissimus dorsi as a muscular slip (22.5 mm wide), tapered cranially, and inserted as a tendinous slip into the coracoid process (2.5 mm wide), with a total length of 45.7 mm. Along its course, the muscular portion crossed the basilic vein, which appeared slightly flattened at the point of contact, then spanned the venous interval between the basilic and brachial veins, with axillary arterial branches lying deep to the superficial venous layer. More superiorly, the tendinous portion crossed the brachial vein near its junction with the axillary vein; notably, the brachial vein was interposed between the tendinous LAA and the region where the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus converged, after which the LAA passed over the surface of the lateral cord before insertion.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This report provides a layer-by-layer depiction of a musculotendinous LAA that overlies multiple components of the axillary neurovascular bundle, including an observed flattening of the basilic vein and a distinctive configuration in which the brachial vein lies between the tendinous arch and the brachial plexus cords. Recognition of such level-dependent relationships may aid anatomical interpretation and surgical orientation during axillary procedures.</p>","PeriodicalId":12251,"journal":{"name":"Folia morphologica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146178660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rare variations in the branching pattern of the axillary artery: a cadaveric case report.","authors":"Yuhan Zhao, Zihan Zhou, Haina Jiang, Huiying Yang, Peng Jing, Li Liu","doi":"10.5603/fm.109889","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/fm.109889","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This case report investigates a rare variation of the axillary artery (AA) where most AA branches arose from a variant branch (VB) originating from the second part of the AA. It hopes to enhance the accuracy of surgical procedures on the upper limb and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of AA anatomy.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>An Asian female cadaver was dissected, and the unique branching patterns of the AA was documented by photograph and illustration. The external diameter and the origin of the AA branches to the thoracoacromial artery (TAA) was measured by digital caliper.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The VB originated from the AA at the level of the TAA, giving rise to the anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries (ACHA and PCHA). Additionally, the VB gave off a common trunk that branched into the circumflex scapular artery (CSA) and continued as the subscapular artery (SSA),which then divided into the lateral thoracic artery (LTA) and thoracodorsal artery (TDA). The VB had two terminal branches: the posterior terminal branch (PTB) coursing through the radial nerve tunnel, and the anterior terminal branch (ATB) descending along the inner side of the arm, passing through the medial side of the elbow, and supplying the forearm.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The variants of the AA could be useful in surgical procedures that involve the lateral thorax, axilla and arm, contributing to a broader anatomical knowledge essential for radiographic, surgical, and other interventional procedures of the upper limb.</p>","PeriodicalId":12251,"journal":{"name":"Folia morphologica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146178722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphological variability of the fibularis longus and brevis muscles on magnetic resonance imaging.","authors":"George Triantafyllou, Olympia Papakonstantinou, George Tsakotos, Nikolaos-Achilleas Arkoudis, Georgios Velonakis, Łukasz Olewnik, Maria Piagkou","doi":"10.5603/fm.109250","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/fm.109250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The fibularis longus (FLT) and fibularis brevis (FBT) tendons form the dynamic stabilizers of the lateral ankle. While their anatomical variability has been well described in cadaveric studies, corresponding imaging data remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the morphology and positional relationships of the FLT and FBT using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to compare these findings with existing anatomical classifications.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis of 120 ankle MRI examinations (65 females, 55 males) was performed. The morphology of the FLT and FBT and their positional relationships at the lateral malleolus were assessed on axial sections, and distal insertions were evaluated on coronal and sagittal images.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both tendons were identified in all cases. The FBT exhibited four morphologies - flat (63.3%), flat with medial bulge (14.2%), flat with lateral bulge (10%), and oval (12.5%) - while the FLT was predominantly oval (79.2%). Four positional patterns were recorded, the most common being FBT overlapping the FLT with medial protrusion (49.2%). Distal bifurcated insertions were observed in 10% of FBT and 14.2% of FLT cases. No significant differences were found between sides, sex, or age.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The most important finding was that MRI reliably detects the morphological and positional variability of the fibularis tendons. These findings validate cadaveric classifications, highlight population-specific patterns, and emphasize the clinical importance of distinguishing normal variants from pathology in ankle imaging.</p>","PeriodicalId":12251,"journal":{"name":"Folia morphologica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146178705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of anatomical changes dynamically by magnetic resonance defecography according to pelvic floor dysfunction types.","authors":"Melike Tasci, Nadire Unver Dogan, Emine Uysal, Husnu Alptekin, Ahmet Kagan Karabulut, Zeliha Fazliogullari","doi":"10.5603/fm.107842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/fm.107842","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pelvic floor dysfunction, resulting from the weakening of pelvic support structures, leads to the loss of support and prolapse of intrapelvic organs. Magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) is effective in demonstrating changes during increased intra-pelvic pressure, such as defecation. In our study, we aimed to investigate changes occurring during defecation in different types of pelvic floor dysfunction.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Magnetic resonance defecography images of 206 female patients with and without pelvic floor dysfunction were retrospectively evaluated and categorized into four groups according to the involved prolapse compartments. The presence and severity of anterior, middle, and posterior compartment prolapse were assessed. Measurements of the H line, M line, and anorectal angle were obtained at rest, during squeezing, straining, and rectal evacuation phases. Intergroup comparisons were performed using ANOVA, LSD, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The coexistence of different types of pelvic organ prolapse was associated with a more severe presentation (p = 0.001). All parameters were significantly different among the groups (p = 0.001). Moreover, the degree of dynamic change across defecation phases - particularly in the H line and anorectal angle - also differed significantly between groups (p = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Dynamic MRD demonstrated that combined prolapse is associated with greater H line, M line, and anorectal angle values, which increase significantly during the straining and rectal evacuation phases.</p>","PeriodicalId":12251,"journal":{"name":"Folia morphologica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146178675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Bachmann's bundle connection: from obesity and aging to atrial arrhythmia development.","authors":"Julia Pisarek, Areej Arshad, Jerzy A Walocha, Krzysztof Gil, Halina Dobrzynski, Marcin Kuniewicz","doi":"10.5603/fm.109626","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5603/fm.109626","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In recent years, Bachmann's bundle (BB), a band of cardiac muscle that enables electrical conduction from the heart's right atrium to the left atrium, has drawn significant interest from the scientific community. It has been identified as a branch of the anterior interatrial pathways connecting the sinoatrial node to the atrioventricular node, departing at the level of the superior vena cava. It is now understood that BB serves as a preferential pathway for interatrial conduction, and structural abnormalities in BB can result in interatrial block, which is associated with the onset of atrial fibrillation and flutter. Studies have also demonstrated that within BB, the incidence of conduction abnormalities (such as conduction delay and conduction block) increases with age. In addition, recently published studies have shown that in obese patients, areas of low voltage are mainly located over the anterior wall, where BB is mostly present, suggesting that the deposition of epicardial fat may predominantly affect the function of this important structure in the heart. Therefore, BB is undoubtedly a structure that merits further investigation, as its role remains unclear, particularly regarding its impact on the development of new treatments. The goal of this review is to describe structural and functional changes in BB in obese, elderly patients as well as those with cardiovascular abnormalities.</p>","PeriodicalId":12251,"journal":{"name":"Folia morphologica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146178669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rare vascular variations: the ulnar artery and superficial brachioulnar artery. A case report and review of the literature.","authors":"Fabian Peter, Fabian Langenbahn, Theresa Schöche, Stefanie Peter, Stephanie Lagaly-Schmeisser, Jannik Maier, Tanja Wolloscheck, Michael J Schmeisser","doi":"10.5603/fm.106151","DOIUrl":"10.5603/fm.106151","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common causes of death worldwide. Interventions such as percutaneous coronary intervention, used to recanalise coronary stenoses, require precise anatomical knowledge, particularly regarding vascular variations, to avoid complications.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In our study, we describe a rare anatomical variation of the superficial brachioulnar artery (SBUA).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We present an SBUA originating from the brachial artery in its upper third and then running superficially in a straight course to the hand, where it assumes the full function of the ulnar artery. At the same time, the regular ulnar artery terminates as a hypoplastic vessel that exclusively supplies the local musculature. This combination expands the existing literature and highlights the clinical relevance of vascular variations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our case report underscores the importance of precise preoperative imaging to identify vascular anomalies early while minimising patient safety-related complications. Additionally, this new variation of the SBUA emphasises the need to integrate anatomical variations more thoroughly into medical education and research. The latter would ensure the systematic capture of their prevalence and implications to improve clinical practice in the long run.</p>","PeriodicalId":12251,"journal":{"name":"Folia morphologica","volume":" ","pages":"e01726082"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144309795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphological characteristics of developmental anomalies of the thyroid gland: a prospective single-center cohort study.","authors":"Iryna Samec, Marek Samec, Gabriela Hešková, Ľubomír Straka, Martin Janík, Desanka Výbohová","doi":"10.5603/fm.102943","DOIUrl":"10.5603/fm.102943","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thyroid diverticulum originates between the first and second pharyngeal pouches, and descends via the thyroglossal duct to the level of CV to TI vertebra. By the 6th week of gestation the thyroglossal duct starts to obliterate. Failure in its obliteration causes differentiation of the distal part into the pyramidal lobe (PL), while the cranial portion may alter into a fibromuscular remnant - levator glandulae thyreoideae (LGT).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Morphological characteristics of PL and LGT were prospectively observed in 86 cadavers (66 male and 20 female).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PL was observed in 59.3%, occurring more frequently in male cadavers (60.61%) compared to female cadavers (55%). PL was more frequent on the left side (50.98%) than on the right side (39.22%). Junctional PL was determined in 58.82%, isthmic PL in 27.45%, and lobar PL in 13.73%. The average height, width, and area of PL reached 23.81 mm, 13.13 mm, and 320.16 mm², respectively. The most frequent height-to-width ratio of PL was 1.3 : 1. LGT was observed in 47.67% of cadavers. LGT prevailed in male cadavers (48.48%) over female cadavers (45%). LGT occurred commonly on the left side (53.66%) than on the right side (31.71%). Macroscopic evaluation demonstrated prevalence of fibrous LGTs (65.85%). Hyopyramidal type of LGT was observed in 70.73% of cadavers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Knowledge gained from this study is applicable in the surgical field to reduce the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications in thyroid surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":12251,"journal":{"name":"Folia morphologica","volume":" ","pages":"e01726063"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143500048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quantitative anatomy of the growing iliacus muscle in the human fetus: an anatomical, digital and statistical study.","authors":"Magdalena Grzonkowska, Michał Szpinda, Michał Kułakowski, Agnieszka Rogalska, Bartłomiej Hankiewicz, Karol Elster, Mariusz Baumgart","doi":"10.5603/fm.104994","DOIUrl":"10.5603/fm.104994","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In the present study, we aimed to quantitatively evaluate the growth of the iliacus muscle in human fetuses.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Using anatomical dissection, digital-image analysis (NIS Elements AR 3.0), the volumetric hydrostatic method, and statistical analysis (Student's t-test, regression analysis), we assessed five direct morphometric parameters of the iliacus in 67 human fetuses of both sexes (31 males, 36 females) aged 16-28 weeks of gestation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant differences were found between males and females, or between the right and left sides, in the measured parameters of the growing iliacus. All linear dimensions (i.e., length and widths) increased according to a logarithmic model, whereas the projected surface area and volume followed a linear growth pattern.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The numerical data on the iliacus obtained in the present study may be useful in the assessment of both the skeletal system and fetal development, with potential relevance in surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":12251,"journal":{"name":"Folia morphologica","volume":" ","pages":"e01726072"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144119264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}