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Anatomical Concept (anatomical + concept)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	50%

Selected Abstracts

Aortic fat pad and atrial fibrillation: cardiac lymphatics revisited

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 1-2 2009
Ryszard W. Lupinski
Abstract The lymphatics of the heart have not generated any broad or sustained interest among clinicians. Few publications on cardiac lymphatics are available, the anatomy is not routinely known and the true role of cardiac lymphatics remains doubtful. One important anatomical concept needing clarification is that of the lymphatic drainage of conduction tissue. The sinoatrial node lymphatic collector and right principal lymphatic trunk are both incorporated into the aortic fat pad of the ascending aorta and are the most frequently damaged lymphatic vessels during cardiac surgery. Thus, preservation of the aortic fat pad and its lymphatic collectors should reduce the incidence of new atrial fibrillation observed in patients after cardiac surgery. This review assesses current knowledge of cardiac lymphatics and shows their possible role in triggering arrhythmias in the postoperative period. [source]

An evidence-based approach to human dermatomes

CLINICAL ANATOMY, Issue 5 2008
M.W.L. Lee
Abstract The dermatome is a fundamental concept in human anatomy and of major importance in clinical practice. There are significant variations in current dermatome maps in standard anatomy texts. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic literature review of the available evidence for the distribution of human dermatomes. Particular emphasis was placed on the technique of ascertainment, the location and extent of each dermatome, the number of subjects studied, and methodologic limitations. Our findings demonstrate that current dermatome maps are inaccurate and based on flawed studies. After selecting the best available evidence, a novel evidence-based dermatome map was constructed. This represents the most consistent tactile dermatomal areas for each spinal dorsal nerve root found in most individuals. In addition to highlighting the orderly arrangement, areas of consistency and clinical usefulness of dermatomes, their overlap and variability deserve greater emphasis. This review demonstrates the validity of an evidence-based approach to an anatomical concept. Clin. Anat. 21:363,373, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

The evolution of the study of anatomy in Japan

CLINICAL ANATOMY, Issue 4 2009
R. Shane Tubbs
Abstract The following review focuses on how the study of anatomy in Japan has evolved throughout the centuries; specifically, we investigate anatomical knowledge during the primitive, ancient, feudal, and early modern periods of Japanese history. Early vague and mythical anatomical concepts derived from China prevailed for many centuries in Japan. Kajiwara wrote one of the earliest anatomical works in 1302. As a science, anatomy was the first basic science to be established in Japan, beginning simplistically during the 1600s and flourishing more recently with the onset of Meiji Restoration. As a result, Japan has produced several of the most influential anatomists of the 20th century, including Buntaro Adachi, who added detail to our knowledge of the vascular system and its variations; and Sunao Tawara, who discovered the atrioventricular node. Herein, we discuss the ways in which Japan has added to and promoted the anatomical sciences. Clin. Anat. 22:425,435, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Review of the anatomic concepts in relation to the retrorectal space and endopelvic fascia: Waldeyer's fascia and the rectosacral fascia

COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 3 2008
J. García-Armengol
Abstract Objective, A precise anatomical study of the fascias within the retrorectal space is reported, analyzing and clarifying the anatomical concepts previously employed to describe Waldeyer's and the rectosacral fascia. Method, The pelvis was dissected in 15 cadavers (10 males and five females). All specimens were divided in the median sagittal plane including the middle axis of the anal canal, to allow a correct visualization of and access to the retrorectal space. Results, The retrorectal space was limited anteriorly by the rectum and posterior mesorectum covered by a fine visceral fascia, and posteriorly by the sacrum covered by the parietal presacral fascia. The rectosacral fascia divided the retrorectal space into inferior and superior portions in 80% of the male and 100% of the female specimens. It originated from the presacral parietal fascia at the level of S2 in 15%, S3 in 38% and S4 in 46% of specimens. In all cases it passed caudally to join the rectal visceral fascia 3,5 cm above the anorectal junction. As described by Waldeyer, the floor of the retrorectal space is formed by the fusion of the presacral parietal fascia and the rectal visceral fascia and lies above the levator ani muscle at the level of the anorectal junction. Conclusion, The rectosacral fascia divides the retrorectal space into inferior and superior portions. This must be differentiated from Waldeyer's description of the fascia lying in the inferior limit of the retrorectal space, formed by the fusion of the rectal visceral and parietal fascias. [source]