{"title":"The anatomical variability of the membranous septum in the normal human fetal heart is due to the size and shape of the septal components.","authors":"Andrei Iakimov","doi":"10.5115/acb.25.231","DOIUrl":"10.5115/acb.25.231","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The article reports on an investigation into the dimensions and shape variability of the atrioventricular and interventricular components of the membranous septum in human fetal hearts at 17-28 weeks. Using stereomicroscope with digital camera and software, we studied 80 normal specimens. In the 17-28 weeks group, the membranous septum length was 1.6±0.78 mm. The atrioventricular component was present in 86.25% of cases, while the interventricular component was present in 73.75% of cases. The length of the atrioventricular component was 0.9 mm at 17-19 weeks, and 1.2 mm at 26-28 weeks. The atrioventricular height increased from 0.75 mm at 17-19 weeks to 1.53 mm at 26-28 weeks. The interventricular component had equal median lengths of 0.57-0.60 mm in the 20-28 weeks group. Its height at 17-22 weeks was 0.75 mm, reaching 1.0 mm at 20-22 weeks, and increasing by no more than 10% in older groups. There were no correlations between atrioventricular or interventricular length and height that indicated great variability of the components in shape. For the atrioventricular component, common shapes were round, oval, and triangular. The interventricular component was mostly round or vertically oval; in some cases, it appeared as a horizontal oval or a vertical slit. The data may be useful for intracardiac fetal surgery, for example, in correction of hypoplastic aortic root and closure of interventricular communication, as well as for connective tissue three-dimensional bioprinting in cardiac abnormalities.</p>","PeriodicalId":7831,"journal":{"name":"Anatomy & Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"30-41"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13072643/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146117678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Re-expression of embryonic stem cell markers in malignant tissue: an observational study in pancreatic cancer.","authors":"Sashikanta Swain, Sipra Rout, Sarojini Raman, Praveen Kumar Ravi, Sruthy Babu, Pravash Ranjan Mishra","doi":"10.5115/acb.25.310","DOIUrl":"10.5115/acb.25.310","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies, primarily due to late-stage diagnosis and limited therapeutic options. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to tumor heterogeneity, therapy resistance, and recurrence through activation of developmental pathways such as Hedgehog, Wnt, Notch, JAK-STAT, and Hippo. Identifying CSCs is therefore essential for understanding pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) pathogenesis and advancing targeted therapies. This study compares the expression of key CSC-associated markers (CD44, CD117, OCT3/4, and c-Myc) in PDAC, fetal, and adult pancreas to elucidate CSC dynamics. Immunohistochemistry for CSC markers (CD44, CD117, OCT3/4, and c-Myc) was performed on PDAC tissues and control pancreatic samples (fetal pancreas 28-36 weeks and adult pancreas) to evaluate marker expression. Proliferative potential was assessed using CK7 and Ki-67 expression patterns. CD44 showed strong membranous and cytoplasmic expression in PDAC, moderate in fetal pancreas (epithelial/ductal regions), and minimal expression in adult tissue. CD117 was mainly restricted to stromal cells in PDAC, also present in fetal tissue but low in adults. c-Myc and Ki-67 were moderately expressed in PDAC, significantly higher than the control samples. CK7 demonstrated strong cytoplasmic staining in PDAC, moderate expression in adults, and weak expression in fetal samples. CD44 and c-Myc re-expression in PDAC supports their role as CSC-associated markers and potential drivers of tumor progression. CD117's stromal localization suggests tumor-stroma interactions. These findings highlight developmental reactivation of CSC markers in PDAC, with implications for early detection and targeted therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":7831,"journal":{"name":"Anatomy & Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"115-124"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13072636/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145916616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Motonobu Abe, Kei Kitamura, Kazuma Morita, Kenta Abe, Ai Hirano-Kawamoto, Gen Murakami, Shin-Ichi Abe
{"title":"Supportive fibrous tissues of the nasal epithelium with special reference to the site-dependent difference.","authors":"Motonobu Abe, Kei Kitamura, Kazuma Morita, Kenta Abe, Ai Hirano-Kawamoto, Gen Murakami, Shin-Ichi Abe","doi":"10.5115/acb.25.252","DOIUrl":"10.5115/acb.25.252","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The nasal mucosa and submucosa likely contain both vascular beds against cold and dry air and resident immunoreactive cells against various antigens. Therefore, a specific fibrous structure seems to be necessary. Using histological specimens from 20 elderly cadavers, we examined the nasal mucosal and submucosal architecture. The ciliated columnar epithelium of the nasal mucosa was characterized by 1) a thick basal lamina, 2) few elastin-positive fibers beneath the epithelium, that was quite different from the nearby mucocutaneous junction area with a thick layer (0.3-0.8 mm) of elastic and oxytalan fibers corresponding to the skin dermis, 3) CD34-positive cells distributing diffusely in the submucosal tissue, and 4) few smooth muscle actin (SMA)-positive fibers beneath the epithelium. Some of submucosal fibrous structure appeared to express both elastin and CD34. CD34-positive arterioles were abundant beneath the ciliated epithelium, but they appeared negative for SMA antibody that cross-reacts with endothelium. Notably, the ciliated columnar epithelium was thin in the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, while the inferior concha carried the thick pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Strangely, the inferior or palatal wall of the nasal cavity was covered by the thick stratified epithelium. We found SMA-positive mucosal venous plexus in the lateral wall of nasal cavity, but the submucosa was filled with glands in the inferior concha. Vascular beds might be replaced by glands in the nasal submucosa. The site-dependent difference in the mucosal morphology as well as the absence of vascular beds might be a result of secondary change with aging.</p>","PeriodicalId":7831,"journal":{"name":"Anatomy & Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"94-104"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13072647/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145562548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Morphology and morphometry of the fundiform and suspensory ligaments of the penis in Thai population.","authors":"Pawarit Wipaswatcharayotin, Sithiporn Agthong, Preeyanan Sae-Lim, Manint Usawachintachit, Kawintharat Harirugsakul, Soravich Lohasomboon, Kavirach Tantiwongse, Vilai Chentanez","doi":"10.5115/acb.25.236","DOIUrl":"10.5115/acb.25.236","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The fundiform ligament and penile suspensory ligament (PSL) are essential for maintaining prepubic curvature and stabilizing erections. PSL dissection is a key step in penile lengthening surgery for micropenis; however, the precise origin and insertion of the fundiform ligament, as well as the insertion of the PSL, remain subjects to debate. In this study, 34 embalmed male cadavers without pathology or prior pelvic or perineal surgery were dissected layer by layer from the lower abdominal wall to the penile base. The fundiform and PSL were identified, and their origin, insertion, morphology, length, and vascular associations were documented. Four distinct shapes of the fundiform ligament were identified: double, triangular, Y-shaped, and irregular type, with the double type being most common. The majority originated from the linea alba, while some arose from Scarpa's fascia or both, inserting distally into the superficial penile fascia. The external pudendal artery was observed near its insertion in 56% of cases. The PSL consistently exhibited a triangular configuration, with an average depth of 27.4±5.7 mm along the pubic symphysis. The angle between the pubic margin and penile shaft margin measured 58.6°±9.7°. The deep dorsal vein of the penis was identified at the deep margin of the PSL in 53% of specimens. These findings provide detailed anatomical insights into the penile suspensory apparatus, highlighting structural variations, origins, and relationships with adjacent vascular structures. Further surgical validation is required to establish their clinical implications in penile lengthening procedures.</p>","PeriodicalId":7831,"journal":{"name":"Anatomy & Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"21-29"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13072639/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145951145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A rare anatomical variation of the deep femoral vein with aneurysm: a case report with clinical significance.","authors":"Punnapa Raviteja, Mrudula Chandrupatla, Rohini Motwani, Saravana Kumar Mg","doi":"10.5115/acb.25.175","DOIUrl":"10.5115/acb.25.175","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present a rare anatomical variation of the deep femoral vein (DFV) originating from the popliteal vein (PV) with an associated aneurysm. The DFV arose from the PV at the adductor hiatus, exhibited an aneurysm, and coursed upward through the fourth osseo-aponeurotic opening of the adductor magnus muscle to enter the anterior thigh compartment before draining into the femoral vein. This unique variation likely resulted from developmental deviations during intrauterine life. The anomalous origin and aneurysm of the DFV may potentially cause venous hemodynamic disturbances, chronic venous insufficiency, increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, and potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Anatomical variations of the DFV in terms of origin, course, or termination are rare but clinically relevant, especially in the context of vascular surgeries, imaging, and interventional procedures involving the femoral region. This case highlights the importance of recognizing venous anatomical variations and their clinical implications.</p>","PeriodicalId":7831,"journal":{"name":"Anatomy & Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"198-201"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13072628/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145028795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Jejunum and ileum histopathology in male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to alcohol and combination anti-retroviral therapy.","authors":"Zekhethelo Maseko, Jaclyn Asouzu Johnson, Pedzisai Mazengenya, Thifhelimbilu Luvhengo, Ejikeme Felix Mbajiorgu","doi":"10.5115/acb.25.151","DOIUrl":"10.5115/acb.25.151","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A significant number of individuals on combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) are also chronic alcohol consumers. Alcohol and cART independently induce perturbed intestinal function, but their combined effects on Paneth cells (PCs) and intestinal stem cells (ISCs) remain unclear. Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups and treated with normal saline, alcohol treated (AC), cART, and a combination of alcohol and cART (AC+cART) for 90 days. Sections of the small intestine were studied for histomorphology, PC granules, crypts, and ISCs in the jejunum and ileum using hematoxylin and eosin, Alcian Blue Periodic Acid-Schiff, Masson trichrome stains, and immunohistochemistry. This study reveals alcohol-induced collagen increase and cART-induced impairment in the crypts, PC granules, and diminished Musashi-1 expression of ISCs, in the jejunum and ileum. Additionally, depleted goblet cells, crypt depth, and number, but increased intestinal wall thickness and collagen in the ileum of the AC+cART group. Minimal PC granules in the stem cell and transit amplifying zone, with reduced Musashi-1 expression in the jejunum and ileum of the AC+cART group. Moreover, all the independent effects of alcohol and cART are exacerbated in the AC+cART group, resulting in perturbations of the small intestine epithelium, ISC, and PC granules, which may adversely affect the regulation of gut innate immunity, intestinal absorptive function, with adverse health outcomes when exposed to infections. These findings are clinically invaluable in managing patients who receive cART prophylaxis, considering the critical significance of PCs and ISCs in the absorption of medications and necessary nutrients for better treatment outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":7831,"journal":{"name":"Anatomy & Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"156-167"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13072634/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145278915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
George Triantafyllou, Panagiotis Kokoropoulos, Spyridon Christodoulou, Orestis Lyros, Nikolaos Oikonopoulos, Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, Maria Piagkou
{"title":"Rare arterial variations associated with dorsal pancreatic agenesis.","authors":"George Triantafyllou, Panagiotis Kokoropoulos, Spyridon Christodoulou, Orestis Lyros, Nikolaos Oikonopoulos, Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, Maria Piagkou","doi":"10.5115/acb.25.328","DOIUrl":"10.5115/acb.25.328","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of the current case is to describe a very rare coexistence of a replaced common hepatic artery (rCHA) and dorsal pancreatic agenesis with notable surgical implications. Preoperative computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were performed in a 53-year-old female with cholangiocarcinoma. Imaging revealed an rCHA arising from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and coursing anterior to the pancreatic head, supplying the right and left hepatic arteries, right gastroepiploic artery, and both the superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries. The gastroduodenal artery was absent. Dorsal pancreatic agenesis was confirmed, with the absence of the pancreatic body and tail. This configuration places the rCHA at high intraoperative risk and eliminates a major coeliac-SMA collateral route. Detailed preoperative vascular mapping and tailored surgical strategies are essential to prevent catastrophic ischemia during pancreatic or hepatic surgery and to guide appropriative operative approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":7831,"journal":{"name":"Anatomy & Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"188-192"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13076065/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Anatomy of the sural nerve in a sample of South African human adult cadavers.","authors":"Jayshree Harangee, Gerda Venter","doi":"10.5115/acb.25.214","DOIUrl":"10.5115/acb.25.214","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The sural nerve (SN) is a sensory nerve in the lower limb with notable variability in its origin, course, and branching patterns. This variability has important implications for diagnostic procedures, nerve grafting, and surgical planning, yet it remains underexplored in Southern African populations. This cadaveric study examined 90 lower limbs from 45 embalmed adult human cadavers (24 males, 21 females) at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Each specimen was assessed for SN formation type, anatomical location, and morphometric data, including its contributing branches (medial sural cutaneous nerve [MSCN] and lateral sural cutaneous nerve [LSCN]). Measurements were recorded, and bilateral symmetry and sex-based differences were analyzed. Four SN formation types were identified, with Type 1 (union of MSCN and LSCN) being most common (62.2%). Formation most frequently occurred in the middle third of the leg (38.9%), although distribution across the middle, lower, and ankle levels was more evenly spread than in other populations. Bilateral symmetry in SN formation was seen in only 40% of cadavers. The average SN length was 100.1 mm and the mean distance from the lateral malleolus was 27.2 mm. This study confirms high anatomical variability of the SN among South African cadavers, and understanding such variation is crucial for clinicians performing nerve grafting or procedures in the distal leg. These findings may enhance surgical planning and education by emphasizing region-specific anatomical variation.</p>","PeriodicalId":7831,"journal":{"name":"Anatomy & Cell Biology","volume":" 4","pages":"11-20"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13072631/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Silke Diana Storsberg, Sandra Petzold, Anja Maria Oelschlegel, Karin Fischer, Sven Schumann
{"title":"A hitherto unknown combination of variations of the hepatic arterial supply.","authors":"Silke Diana Storsberg, Sandra Petzold, Anja Maria Oelschlegel, Karin Fischer, Sven Schumann","doi":"10.5115/acb.25.232","DOIUrl":"10.5115/acb.25.232","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Knowledge regarding arterial variations of the abdominal organs is of great importance in visceral surgery and interventional radiology. Here, we describe the combination of an aberrant common hepatic artery from the superior mesenteric artery, an aberrant right hepatic artery from the superior mesenteric artery, and an aberrant left hepatic artery arising from the left gastric artery in a female body donor. The aberrant common hepatic artery provided a middle hepatic artery only. Additionally, we reported a circumaortic variation of the left renal vein. To the best of our knowledge, this specific combination of hepatic artery variations has not been described yet. It is important that clinicians are aware not only of isolated variations but also of their various combinations.</p>","PeriodicalId":7831,"journal":{"name":"Anatomy & Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"202-206"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13072627/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145501615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Review of cadaver preservative solution from biomedical aspect.","authors":"Ria Margiana, Martin","doi":"10.5115/acb.25.083","DOIUrl":"10.5115/acb.25.083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The use of cadavers remains essential for medical students studying anatomy, as it provides irreplaceable hands-on experience. Given that the available cadavers must be reused over time, an effective preservation method is necessary to maintain tissue integrity. Formaldehyde-based solutions are commonly used in cadaver preservation due to their cost-effectiveness, practicality, and long-term tissue stability. However, given formaldehyde is carcinogenic and an irritant, it poses risks to both users and preserved cadavers. As a result, numerous studies have investigated cadaver embalming techniques as an effort to safeguard users and preserve cadavers. This review examines research on low-formaldehyde embalming solutions. Literature was retrieved from databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, with a focus on preservation efficacy, safety, and practical application. The reviewed literature identifies several low-formaldehyde formulations that effectively preserve cadavers while minimizing health risks. These solutions offer a variety of chemical compositions and application methods for institutes seeking safer cadaver preservation. The findings emphasize the need for anatomy instruction to switch to low-formaldehyde embalming. These approaches can preserve cadavers and reduce health hazards, but cost and resource availability remain important consideration. Further study is needed to enhance low-formaldehyde embalming solutions for anatomical institutes' different needs. This review concludes that low-formaldehyde embalming solutions are essential for cadaver preservation safety. This study helps anatomy professionals modify embalming practices in their institutions to improve cadaver preservation and user safety by revealing the benefits and downsides of several options.</p>","PeriodicalId":7831,"journal":{"name":"Anatomy & Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13072640/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145852879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}