Anatomical Science International最新文献

{"title":"Meckel's cartilage and SOX9/Scx expression during morphogenesis of the mouse mylohyoid attachment site.","authors":"Toshihisa Koresawa, Ryotaro Nagakura, Juhee Jeong, Kei Kitamura, Mamoru Yotsuya, Masaki Sato, Wei-Jen Chang, Shinichi Abe, Masahito Yamamoto","doi":"10.1007/s12565-026-00946-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-026-00946-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Meckel's cartilage is a central structure in mandibular morphogenesis, but how developing muscles establish their attachment to the mandible in relation to Meckel's cartilage remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the fetal development of the mouse mylohyoid attachment site using histological analysis, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and three-dimensional reconstruction, with particular attention to SOX9 and Scleraxis (Scx), markers associated with cartilage and tendon development. At E13.5, the mylohyoid attachment site was located close to the inferior aspect of Meckel's cartilage, and SOX9-positive mesenchymal cells were observed between the mylohyoid muscle bundle and Meckel's cartilage. During subsequent development, the intramembranous mandibular bone extended into the space between Meckel's cartilage and the mylohyoid attachment site. By E17.5, the mylohyoid attachment site was closely associated with the mandibular bone. SOX9 expression was detected at the developing attachment site from E13.5 to E17.5, whereas Scx mRNA expression was detected transiently and became progressively reduced during this period. Three-dimensional reconstruction further supported the developmental shift in the spatial relationship among Meckel's cartilage, the mandibular bone, and the mylohyoid attachment site. These findings suggest that Meckel's cartilage may serve as a transient anatomical framework associated with early organization of the mylohyoid attachment site before definitive attachment to the mandibular bone is established.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148175197","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":"Assessing the relative length of the metacarpal and metatarsal bones of prehistoric Jomon, Yayoi, and modern Japanese.","authors":"Yasuo Hagihara","doi":"10.1007/s12565-026-00944-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-026-00944-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Prior studies have reported that Jomon populations exhibit relatively longer distal limb segments (radius and tibia) than their proximal counterparts (humerus and femur) from the Yayoi period onward. However, it remains unclear whether similar intergroup differences exist in the relative lengths of more distal elements, such as metacarpals and metatarsals. This study examined 256 individuals representing the Jomon, Yayoi, and modern Japanese populations, comparing the relative lengths of metacarpals against the humerus and radius, as well as metatarsals against the femur and tibia. The results indicated that, compared to the Yayoi and modern Japanese groups, Jomon individuals consistently had longer metacarpals and metatarsals relative to the humerus and femur. In contrast, no consistent intergroup differences were observed in the relative lengths of the metacarpals and metatarsals relative to the radius and tibia. Additionally, regarding the ratio of the radius to the second through fifth metacarpals, females across populations generally exhibited longer metacarpals than males. These findings suggest that the relative lengths of the metacarpals and metatarsals to the proximal limb segments, similar to the proximal-distal limb segment ratios, may reflect the combined effects of climatic background, population history, and sex-specific morphological variation patterns.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148175242","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":"A case of N-type right-sided aortic arch with Kommerell's diverticulum and double left brachiocephalic vein.","authors":"Koki Asai, Shuichiro Inoue, Ryotaro Izumiyama, Anon Watanabe, Yutaro Natsuyama, Shinichi Kawata, Zhong-Lian Li, Kazuyuki Shimada, Tomiko Yakura, Hidenobu Miyaso, Masahiro Itoh","doi":"10.1007/s12565-026-00945-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-026-00945-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>N-type right-sided aortic arch is a subtype of the Adachi-Williams-Nakagawa`s classification for variations in branching patterns of the aortic arch. Kommerell's diverticulum is a rare anomaly and characterized by the aneurysmal dilatation of the proximal portion of an anomalous subclavian artery or of the aorta at the origin of such subclavian artery. Kommerell's diverticulum occurs in association with a right-sided aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery. In the present study, we report a cadaver case of N-type right-sided aortic arch accompanied by Kommerell's diverticulum in retroesophageal origin of the left subclavian artery. Interestingly, in this case, the double left brachiocephalic vein was identified around the ascending aorta. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of the coexistence of right-sided aortic arch, Kommerell's diverticulum, and double left brachiocephalic vein. The right-sided aortic arch is often associated with congenital heart diseases and other cardiovascular abnormalities. Therefore, the present right-sided aortic arch with Kommerell's diverticulum and double left brachiocephalic vein may give us an important knowledge for cardiovascular anomalies in men from both clinical and embryological aspects.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136528","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":"From detectable L1 morphometric differences to decision-grade adult age inference: a global, uncertainty-aware, degeneration-attentive, and ethically governable roadmap","authors":"M. Vijayasimha,&nbsp;M. Srikanth","doi":"10.1007/s12565-026-00947-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12565-026-00947-5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":"101 4","pages":"503 - 504"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148136564","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":"Matrix components in the developing bones and cartilage of embryonic chick skulls: an in situ hybridization study.","authors":"Shunichi Shibata, Masami Takahashi, Toru Shibui, Masaki Takechi, Kazuharu Irie","doi":"10.1007/s12565-026-00940-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-026-00940-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Matrix components involved in the development of various types of bone and cartilage in chick skulls were analyzed from the gene expression viewpoint. The quadrate cartilage (primary cartilage), quadrate bone (endochondral bone), pterygoid bone (membrane bone), and secondary cartilages, such as squamosal secondary cartilage and palatoquadrate cartilage, were investigated by in situ hybridization using digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes for VCAN, ACAN, COL1A2, COL2A1, COL10A1, integrin-binding bone sialoprotein (IBSP), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1). VCAN mRNA was expressed in the anlagen of quadrate cartilage and pterygoid bone, and reduced as chondrogenesis or osteogenesis progressed. Conversely, VCAN was neither expressed in the anlagen nor formed new secondary cartilages, indicating VCAN may not be highly significant in secondary chondrogenesis. Newly formed chondrocytes in the squamosal secondary cartilage simultaneously expressed COL1A2, COL2A1, and COL10A1 mRNAs, indicating its fibrocartilaginous nature and the rapid differentiation of progenitor cells into hypertrophic chondrocytes. Compared with SPP1 mRNA, IBSP was earlier expressed during pterygoid bone formation. SPP1 expression was more extensive in the central position than that of IBSP in the quadrate cartilage, whereas IBSP expression was more extensive in newly formed squamosal secondary cartilage, reflecting the difference in the differentiation process of primary and secondary chondrogenesis. Alkaline phosphatase activity was detected in the anlagen and newly formed chondrocytes in the squamosal secondary cartilage, indicating it originated from periosteum-like tissues. However, the palatoquadrate cartilage showed no alkaline phosphatase activity. In conclusion, gene expression of the extracellular matrix during chondrogenesis and osteogenesis showed tissue-specific expression patterns.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148013097","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":"A cadaveric case of midgut reversed rotation with a common hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery.","authors":"Tohma Sakuraya, Mayo Katsube, Norikazu Yamada, Yui Nishii, Masahiko Terajima, Kazuhiko Satoh, Yukihiro Iida, Takahiro Sonomura","doi":"10.1007/s12565-026-00941-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-026-00941-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The present study describes a rare case of intestinal malrotation in which the common hepatic artery originated from the superior mesenteric artery, focusing on the morphology of the gastrointestinal tract and vascular distribution. The cadaver was that of an 84-year-old woman donated for research and education; the cause of death was acute renal failure, without a history of gastrointestinal disease or abdominal surgery except for gastrostomy. During anatomical dissection, an abnormal colonic position was identified; the entire gastrointestinal tract was resected. The isolated tract was examined by computed tomography scanning with three-dimensional reconstruction; furthermore, the vessels were dissected and documented using line drawings. In this case, the jejunum and ileum were located on the left side of the abdominal cavity, while the colon was located on the right side. The common hepatic artery originated from the superior mesenteric artery. The common hepatic artery and portal vein ascended anterior to the pancreas and superior part of the duodenum, while the bile duct passed anterior to the superior duodenum and coursed posteriorly around the portal vein. The superior mesenteric artery and vein descended posterior to the horizontal part of the duodenum. The present case suggests clockwise midgut rotation during development, corresponding to the reversed rotation type of intestinal malrotation. The coexistence of this condition with biliary and vascular anomalies has not been previously reported. Recognition of vascular anomalies might be clinically important, particularly during surgical procedures involving the duodenum, pancreas, or biliary tract.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147980172","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":"Mapping sex and age effects on thyroarytenoid and cricothyroid muscle structure and function.","authors":"Nymfodora Malkidou, Aliki Fiska, Vasileios Papadopoulos, Dimitrios Tsiptsios, Aggeliki Fotiadou, Aikaterini Terzoudi, Katerina Vassiou","doi":"10.1007/s12565-026-00939-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-026-00939-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The intrinsic laryngeal muscles are essential for voice production, airway protection, and the regulation of phonation. Among them, the thyroarytenoid (TA) and cricothyroid (CT) muscles play a key role in controlling vocal fold tension, length, and closure, thereby influencing pitch and voice quality. Despite their functional importance, age- and sex-related differences in these muscles remain partly understood. The present study aims to evaluate age-, sex-, and body size-related effects on the morphology of the TA and CT muscles and on the functional activity of the CT muscle in healthy adults. Morphometric analysis performed on 44 retrospectively collected neck MRI scans showed consistent age-related decline of the TA muscle across all measured dimensions, whereas the CT muscle demonstrated a more selective pattern, with age independently associated with thickness and volume but not with length or height. Functional assessment of the CT muscle conducted with electromyography (EMG) analyses of 29 healthy volunteers showed higher CT activation amplitudes in females, while increasing age was independently associated with lower activation amplitudes, higher resting amplitude, and longer return-to-rest time. These complementary observations suggest that intrinsic laryngeal muscles may not respond uniformly to aging: the TA muscle appears to demonstrate a more generalized age-related morphological decline, whereas the CT muscle exhibits more selective structural changes, while its functional activity shows age- and sex-related differences. Although derived from independent cohorts, these findings suggest that age-related voice changes may reflect muscle-specific alterations in laryngeal structure and neuromuscular performance, influenced by biological factors rather than a uniform aging process.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147961915","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":"A medieval skull from northern Kyushu: 3D geometric morphometric insights into Japanese craniofacial variation.","authors":"Kengo Ohno, Yoshinori Kawakubo, Tomoya Ikeda","doi":"10.1007/s12565-026-00935-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-026-00935-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The cranial morphology of the Japanese population has undergone notable diachronic changes from the Yayoi to the Modern period, reflecting both cultural and environmental influences. While substantial medieval skeletal series from Kamakura (eastern Japan) and Yamaguchi (western Honshu) have been analyzed, comparative material from northern Kyushu remains limited, particularly for well-preserved crania suitable for morphometric analysis. This study addresses this gap by applying three-dimensional geometric morphometrics to a well-preserved medieval skull (Kakihisa 1) excavated in Saga, northern Kyushu. Using Procrustes distances and principal component analysis with diachronic reference samples from the Yayoi, Kofun, Edo, and Modern periods, we describe the placement of Kakihisa 1 in cranial shape space and compare the cranial vault and facial skeleton separately. The cranial vault of Kakihisa 1 showed medieval-type dolichocephalic features and affinities with earlier reference distributions, whereas the facial skeleton plotted closer to the Edo distribution while retaining some affinity with earlier groups. These non-uniform affinities across cranial regions are compatible with the possibility that different cranial components followed partially decoupled diachronic trajectories, although the available evidence does not allow a definitive distinction between medieval specificity and regional continuity. We provide a landmark-based three-dimensional record of Kakihisa 1, including mirrored reconstruction to accommodate unilateral landmark loss, and situate the specimen within comparative diachronic reference samples. Although based on a single individual, Kakihisa 1 provides a useful comparative data point for medieval craniofacial variation in northern Kyushu and underscores the need for additional medieval specimens to evaluate temporal and regional patterns more robustly. Mini-abstract. Three-dimensional landmark analysis of a medieval skull from Saga, Japan indicates non-uniform vault and facial affinities, informing medieval craniofacial variation in northern Kyushu.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147961884","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":"On the construction and interpretation of the Doi plot in prevalence meta-analyses.","authors":"Vasileios Papadopoulos","doi":"10.1007/s12565-026-00937-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-026-00937-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Doi plot and the Luis Furuya-Kanamori (LFK) index are increasingly used tools for assessing small-study effects and potential publication bias in meta-analysis. Their validity, however, depends critically on correct graphical construction and interpretation. This methodological communication clarifies the conceptual basis of the Doi plot, with particular emphasis on its application in meta-analyses of prevalence, where transformations of proportions introduce additional considerations. We revisit the definition of the plot axes-effect size versus absolute Z-score (|Z|)-and explain how |Z| relates to study precision under commonly used transformations. Using a recently published anatomical meta-analysis as an illustrative example, we demonstrate how the Doi plot and LFK index can be reconstructed and interpreted in prevalence meta-analysis. Practical recommendations for the implementation and reporting of Doi plot analyses are provided to enhance transparency, reproducibility, and methodological rigor in anatomical and biomedical research.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147939674","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":"A standardized technique for high-fidelity venous perfusion of human limbs for anatomical education and surgical skills training.","authors":"Jianhua Liu, Baohua Luo, XuYi Hu, Zhenfu Zhao, LiangJie Deng, Abudureyimujiang Ruze","doi":"10.1007/s12565-026-00938-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12565-026-00938-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A comprehensive three‑dimensional understanding of limb venous anatomy, including venous pathways, valve distribution, and superficial-deep connections, is essential for anatomical education and preclinical surgical training. However, preparation of venous anatomical specimens remains technically challenging because of venous valves, fragile vessel walls, leakage, and incomplete perfusion using conventional techniques, which limits their pedagogical value and reproducibility. The present study aimed to develop and validate a standardized venous perfusion protocol for producing high‑fidelity venous specimens of human limbs. Fifteen fresh adult cadaveric limb specimens were prepared using an optimized technique incorporating ammonia solution pre‑perfusion, bidirectional venous cannulation through dorsal venous networks and transected major veins, latex perfusion assisted by directional manual massage and selective micro‑needle valve penetration, localized leakage control, staged supplementary perfusion, and low‑temperature curing followed by formalin fixation. Following anatomical dissection, 14 of 15 specimens demonstrated complete and continuous perfusion of both superficial and deep venous systems. Major venous structures, distal branches, venous valves, and anastomotic patterns were clearly visualized with accurate in situ morphology and preserved spatial relationships. This optimized approach reliably overcomes key limitations of traditional venous perfusion methods and yields durable, anatomically accurate specimens that enhance three‑dimensional learning and provide realistic, non‑biological platforms for procedural skills training, thereby bridging anatomical science and applied surgical education.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147939548","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}