Robert Haładaj , Nikola Haładaj , Roksana Haładaj , Andrzej Żytkowski , Ivan Varga
{"title":"Occipital nerves: A concise encyclopedic review with clinical relevance in physiotherapy","authors":"Robert Haładaj , Nikola Haładaj , Roksana Haładaj , Andrzej Żytkowski , Ivan Varga","doi":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100468","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100468","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Occipital nerves play an important role in the sensory and motor innervation of the occipital region and the upper cervical spine, and their clinical significance is also reflected in physiotherapeutic practice.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This paper aims to present a concise, encyclopedic review of the occipital nerves, with particular emphasis on their relevance in physiotherapy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Occipital nerves play a key role in the sensory and motor innervation of the upper cervical region, and their complex anatomy and variability contribute significantly to the development of cervicogenic headaches and occipital neuralgia. A thorough understanding of their anatomical course, potential entrapment sites, and relationships with surrounding structures is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective therapeutic planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37913,"journal":{"name":"Translational Research in Anatomy","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100468"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The meningohypophyseal trunk: Encyclopedic review","authors":"Robert Haładaj","doi":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100470","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100470","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The meningohypophyseal trunk is a small but constant branch of the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery supplying the sellar and parasellar region. Despite its clinical relevance, its anatomy and variations are often underrepresented in concise anatomical reviews.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The present work focuses on the meningohypophyseal trunk encyclopedic review.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The meningohypophyseal trunk has a characteristic branching pattern and important anastomotic connections that are critical in skull base surgery and endovascular procedures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37913,"journal":{"name":"Translational Research in Anatomy","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100470"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A rare bilateral absence of the musculocutaneous nerve associated with muscular and vascular variations: embryological considerations and clinical implications","authors":"Arthur Tsalani Manjatika","doi":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100466","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Muscular, nervous, and vascular variations in the anterior compartment of the arm are common if considered independently. However, the co-existence of variations involving all the anterior compartment of the arm structures is very rare. This case report aims to report a rare bilateral presentation of the muscular, nervous, and vascular variations in the anterior compartment of the arm.</div></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><div>An incidental finding during the routine dissections of the anterior compartments of the arm, elbow joint and forearm is presented. The musculocutaneous nerve was absent bilaterally. The coracobrachialis originated from the coracoid process of the scapula and the anterior aspect of the shoulder joint capsule bilaterally and was innervated by a direct branch from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus. The third head of the biceps brachii was also present bilaterally. The brachialis muscle presented with two heads with dual innervation by the median and radial nerves and dual blood supply by brachial-ulnar and profunda brachii arteries. There was a bilateral high bifurcation of the brachial artery.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This case shows that anatomical variation of all the structures in the anterior compartment of the arm can exist at the same time bilaterally. This knowledge may be important clinically to avoid misdiagnosis and iatrogenic injuries to the anterior compartment of the arm due to the altered conventional anatomy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37913,"journal":{"name":"Translational Research in Anatomy","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100466"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Descriptive analysis of the celiac ganglia in female rats: an asymmetrical pair with distinct neuronal pathways","authors":"César Pastelín Rojas , María-Esmeralda Rivera Castro , Juan-Manuel Bravo Benítez , Yolanda Cruz Gómez , Carolina Morán Raya","doi":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100463","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100463","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Exploring the neural control of mammalian abdominal visceral organs requires an understanding of celiac ganglia anatomy. In this study, Long-Evans rats were investigated to elucidate the detailed anatomical organization of the right celiac ganglion (RCG) and left celiac ganglion (LCG), their connections with other prevertebral ganglia, and the morphometry of their postganglionic neuronal components.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Twenty adult female rats were divided into two experimental groups: one examined for macroscopic anatomical features, including gross anatomy (n = 10) and histochemical properties (acetylcholinesterase n = 3); the other for celiac ganglia microanatomy, using histological techniques (n = 4) and scanning electron microscopy (n = 3).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The RCG presented as pyriform-shaped or spindle-shaped (average length, 2.9 ± 0.6 mm; average width, 0.8 ± 0.2 mm), and included six primary nerves and five accessory nerves. The LCG was sickle-shaped (average length, 6.8 ± 1.0 mm; average width, 1.03 ± 0.1 mm), and included seven primary nerves and three accessory nerves. The RCG and LCG were connected by a short nerve trunk, or three long commissural branches, comprising unmyelinated nerve fibers, peripheral glial cells, and Remak Schwann cells. Nerves of the RCG and LCG innervate abdominal organs and form interganglionic connections, anastomosing with the left and right suprarenal ganglia and the superior mesenteric ganglia, together constituting a nerve plexus.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The celiac ganglia are bilateral, with morphologically and topographically asymmetrical components. Commissural bundles support, protect, and facilitate communication between the intra-ganglionic components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37913,"journal":{"name":"Translational Research in Anatomy","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100463"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080688","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Grzegorz Wysiadecki , Andrzej Dubrowski , Michał Bonczar , Patryk Ostrowski , Jakub Dębski , Andrzej Żytkowski
{"title":"Terminology of anatomical variations of the abducens nerve: a concise note","authors":"Grzegorz Wysiadecki , Andrzej Dubrowski , Michał Bonczar , Patryk Ostrowski , Jakub Dębski , Andrzej Żytkowski","doi":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100471","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100471","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Numerous anatomical variations of the abducens nerve have been reported in the literature; however, their description is affected by inconsistent and historically rooted terminology.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The aim of this study is to provide a concise and pragmatic overview of the nomenclature used to describe abducens nerve variations, with emphasis on the nerve's segmental anatomy and terminological clarity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>A descriptive approach focused on segmental location and extent of duplication, splitting or early division of the abducens nerve may improve terminological consistency and comparability between reports.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37913,"journal":{"name":"Translational Research in Anatomy","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100471"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aliće Weiglein , Karin Fischer , Anne Albrecht , Constanze Nossol
{"title":"Case report of variant origin and course of the middle colic artery","authors":"Aliće Weiglein , Karin Fischer , Anne Albrecht , Constanze Nossol","doi":"10.1016/j.tria.2025.100459","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tria.2025.100459","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The middle colic artery is of key importance regarding the blood supply of the digestive tract. Visceral surgery, in particular, relies on detailed knowledge of the anatomical course of arteries in this region. Several variants of the bowel's arterial supply have been reported, and we contribute the description of yet another variant.</div></div><div><h3>Case report</h3><div>We observed an unusual origin and course of the MCA in a body donor from the voluntary donation program of the Institute of Anatomy, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. The donor had died from coronary heart disease and cardiac insufficiency, and the body was fixed by arterial perfusion with an ethanol-formaldehyde solution. Dissection was performed during regular undergraduate anatomy courses at the institute. We describe a variant middle colic artery (aMCA) that, instead of arising from the SMA, branches directly from the celiac trunk alongside the usual vessels. The aMCA descends behind the pancreas, gives off an inferior pancreatic artery, and then divides into two branches: one connecting to the regular MCA from the SMA and the other to the LCA from the IMA. While the IMA showed a normal branching pattern, the SMA lacked a right colic artery; no additional anatomical or pathological abnormalities were observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Although parts of the herein described variation have already been published - such as an aMCA arising from the celiac trunk or variations in connectivity of the MCA with the RCA and LCA - the combination of variations reported here is, to our best knowledge, not yet documented.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37913,"journal":{"name":"Translational Research in Anatomy","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100459"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alejandro Bruna-Mejias , Martina Salazar-Ferrari , Antonia Silva-Garay , Ignacia Belen Chacon Valdebenito , Cynthia Ortiz -Ahumada , Martin Trujillo-Riveros , Jessica Paola Loaiza-Giraldo , Pablo Nova- Baeza , Mathias Orellana- Donoso , Andres Santana- Machuca , Gloria Cifuentes-Suazo , Gustavo Oyanedel-Amaro , Glen Paton , Shahed Nalla , Juan José Valenzuela-Fuenzalida , Juan Sanchis-Gimeno
{"title":"Occipitalization of the atlas: prevalence, functional and anatomical considerations. A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Alejandro Bruna-Mejias , Martina Salazar-Ferrari , Antonia Silva-Garay , Ignacia Belen Chacon Valdebenito , Cynthia Ortiz -Ahumada , Martin Trujillo-Riveros , Jessica Paola Loaiza-Giraldo , Pablo Nova- Baeza , Mathias Orellana- Donoso , Andres Santana- Machuca , Gloria Cifuentes-Suazo , Gustavo Oyanedel-Amaro , Glen Paton , Shahed Nalla , Juan José Valenzuela-Fuenzalida , Juan Sanchis-Gimeno","doi":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100465","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100465","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Occipitalization of the atlas, defined as a congenital fusion between the first cervical vertebra (C1) and the occipital bone, is an uncommon anatomical variant of the craniovertebral junction. Reported prevalence in the general population varies widely, and the condition is often identified incidentally during imaging or anatomical assessment.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To synthesize available evidence on the prevalence of atlas occipitalization and to describe its anatomical characteristics across different populations and study designs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and LILACS from inception to January 2025. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by four reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Anatomical Quality Assessment (AQUA) tool. A random-effects meta-analysis was applied to estimate pooled prevalence values and explore predefined subgroups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, of which eleven were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing a total of 4219 subjects. The pooled prevalence of atlas occipitalization was 0.64 % (95 % confidence interval: 0.00–1.00 %). Variability in prevalence estimates was observed across populations and assessment methods.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Atlas occipitalization is a rare congenital anatomical variant of the craniovertebral junction. Although often asymptomatic, its identification is anatomically relevant due to potential associations with other craniovertebral anomalies. Awareness of this variant is important for accurate anatomical interpretation and for planning procedures involving the craniovertebral junction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37913,"journal":{"name":"Translational Research in Anatomy","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100465"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Foramen ovale and its neighbourhood: skull variations that influence procedural safety","authors":"Ballantyne Helen , Gul Samia , Sam Femina","doi":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100464","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100464","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The foramen ovale (FO) is a key landmark in percutaneous procedures for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), with the lateral pterygoid plate (LPP) aiding its localization. TN interventions through FO have been reported to cause hemorrhage, cranial nerve palsy, and muscle weakness. Although studies have suggested potential neurovascular risks, there is limited scientific evidence to support them. This study aimed to evaluate whether specific skull types pose a higher risk due to the proximity of the FO to neurovascular structures.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty dry human skulls were classified into four types based on the LPP and the FO positions. The distances from the FO to the sphenoidal spine, foramen spinosum, alveolar tuberosity, foramen lacerum, carotid canal, inferior orbital fissure (IOF), and foramen of Vesalius were recorded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were no statistically significant differences in the position of the FO relative to most neighbouring structures across skull types. However, the removed type was significantly farther from the IOF, while the direct type was closer.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>While previous studies have highlighted technical difficulties with needle insertion in the removed skull type, our findings emphasize the importance of carefully assessing the relationship between the FO and the LPP, as the direct skull type may increase the risk of injury to neurovascular structures traversing the IOF.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37913,"journal":{"name":"Translational Research in Anatomy","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100464"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Robert Haładaj , Nikola Haładaj , Roksana Haładaj , Ivan Varga
{"title":"Selected anatomists and scholars who contributed to the study of the visual apparatus and vision","authors":"Robert Haładaj , Nikola Haładaj , Roksana Haładaj , Ivan Varga","doi":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100467","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100467","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Interest in the anatomy and function of the eye dates back to ancient times. For centuries, scholars explored the phenomenon of vision, moving from speculation to systematic anatomical observation.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This essay presents an overview of selected anatomists and scholars who played an important role in advancing the study of the eyeball and the visual apparatus.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Through centuries of study, anatomists advanced knowledge of the eye's structure and function, shaping the modern science of vision.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37913,"journal":{"name":"Translational Research in Anatomy","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100467"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thomas A. LaFave , Isaac M. Suchor , Garret Kerkvliet , Gavin Smith , Grzegorz Wysiadecki , Ethan L. Snow
{"title":"Triceps brachii muscle with interconnected accessory heads: A cadaveric case report with implications to the radial, axillary, and ulnar nerves","authors":"Thomas A. LaFave , Isaac M. Suchor , Garret Kerkvliet , Gavin Smith , Grzegorz Wysiadecki , Ethan L. Snow","doi":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100472","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tria.2026.100472","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The triceps brachii muscle is a three-headed muscle in the posterior brachium that chiefly extends the antebrachium. Its neurovascular supply comes from the radial nerve and profunda brachii artery, and its anatomy is intricately associated with the axillary nerve, posterior humeral circumflex artery, and ulnar nerve. While triceps brachii accessory heads (TBAHs) are uncommon, they can impinge contiguous neurovasculature and instigate serious clinical sequelae. The objective of this study is to report a unique case of interconnected TBAHs and discuss its implications to the radial, axillary, and ulnar nerves.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Two interconnected TBAHs were discovered during routine dissection of an adult human cadaver. The muscles, their attachments, and the adjacent neurovasculature were cleaned of extraneous fascia and photographed in situ with scale. Literature-based meta-analyses were conducted to situate the variant anatomy within the context of other TBAH cases and convey the associated clinical significances.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The 13.79 cm distal accessory head (TBAH<sub>dist</sub>) attached to the medial side of the common triceps tendon and converged to a 12.22 cm tendon that coursed over the radial nerve, impeded the axillary nerve in the quadrangular space, and attached to the posteromedial side of the surgical neck of the humerus. The 8.49 cm proximal accessory head (TBAH<sub>prox</sub>) exhibited parallel fibers between the triceps brachii medial head and the tendon of TBAH<sub>dist</sub>, and the TBAH<sub>dist</sub> tendon displayed a slender tendinous interconnection to the medial epicondyle that confined the ulnar nerve.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The interconnection of TBAH<sub>dist</sub> and TBAH<sub>prox</sub> distinguishes this case among others and contributes to its clinical relevance. With the ability to provoke concurrent compressive neuropathies of the radial, axillary, and ulnar nerves in three distinctly different anatomical landmark areas, the case holds translational clinical significance. The gross imaging and literature-based meta-analyses from this study may serve as useful resources for clinicians and medical educators deliberating related patient cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37913,"journal":{"name":"Translational Research in Anatomy","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 100472"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}