Structural Anatomy
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12503/29943
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Item Intermuscular Lipoma: A Case Report(2020) Fisher, Cara; Bilbao, JorgeABSTRACT: Background: Lipomas are the most common type of soft-tissue tumors. Superficial lipomas account for about 50% of all soft-tissue tumors and are usually found in the upper back, neck, proximal extremities, and abdomen. Deep-seated lipomas are far less common and usually found in the lower extremity, trunk, shoulder, and upper extremity. Case Presentation: In our study we report a case of a deep-seated, intermuscular lipoma with a rare location in the erector spinae musculature of the lower back. This mass was found during a routine dissection of a 68-year-old male cadaver and it serves to expand knowledge on the anatomical aspects of rare intermuscular lipoma locations. On gross examination, the lipomatous mass was seemingly circumscribed with a uniform, yellowish adipose color, lobulated surface, and soft consistency. Histological examination exhibited a discrete mass of uniform, mature adipocytes, which are clearly delineated from the surrounding musculature. Conclusions: These findings are diagnostic of a well-circumscribed intermuscular lipoma. It is important to note that these lesions are benign and have no metastatic potential. Knowledge of rare intermuscular lipoma locations is necessary for clinicians and surgeons during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. It is necessary that current clinical guidelines take rare variants into consideration.Item SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF A LEFT UPPER EXTREMITY ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA PSEUDOANEURYSM: A CASE REPORT(2020) Olivencia-Yurvati, Albert; Dhume, MahimaBackground: An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a constructed vascular anastomosis and the first line of vascular access for most patients undergoing dialysis. AVFs need months to mature and the high pressure may lead to local complications such as formation of pseudoaneurysms. Urgent evaluation and repair is needed if the pseudoaneurysm is at risk of rupture. Case Information: A 71-year-old female with an extensive past medical history including ESRD and hypertension presented to the vascular surgery clinic for evaluation of a bleeding left-sided distal AVF pseudoaneurysm measuring 2.4 x 2.1 x 4.5 cm on ultrasound. She elected to have an arteriovenous graft revision and repair of the fistula pseudoaneurysm. In the operating room, a semicircle tunneler was utilized and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft was implanted. The pseudoaneurysm was repaired by ligation technique. The anastomosis was created first in the venous limb and then the arterial limb and the pseudoaneurysm was excluded by repair to allow for thrombosis. At her two week post-operative evaluation in the clinic, the patient appeared to have recovered well. Conclusions: A pseudoaneurysm arising as a complication from chronic hemodialysis is most commonly from routine needle insertion at the site and can be prevented by rotating the access needle during dialysis. The first line non-invasive recommendation is an ultrasound guided manual compression at the neck of the pseudoaneurysm and surveillance. If there is a risk of rupture, guidelines recommend revision of the AVF and emergency ligation, such as in this case report.Item Posterior Parietal Pleural Plaques: A Case Report(2020) Fisher, Cara; Parkinson, Ryan; Sharaf, Abrahim; McCreight, Hannah; Barnes, KalanBackground: Pleural plaques are accumulations of hyalinized collagen fibers in the parietal pleura. These deposits are considered pathognomonic for asbestos exposure. Macrophage phagocytosis of short asbestos fibers promotes increased collagen production by fibroblasts. The exact pathogenesis of pleural plaques is unknown, but it is presumed that they form secondary to the lungs attempt to remove asbestos fibers from the pleural spaces through lymphatic channels located exclusively in the parietal pleura. Pleural plaques are most often identified via radiographic imaging and physical images of these structures are rare. Case information: During routine dissection of a 76-year-old male cadaver, multiple pleural plaques were discovered on the posterior parietal pleura of the chest cavity bilaterally. Of note, the pleural plaques discovered were found more medially than usually reported in the literature and the pleural plaques seen in the right posterior chest cavity extended much higher, to the 3rd rib, than is usually reported in the literature. Conclusions: Pleural plaques act as markers of asbestos exposure and can, in rare instances, cause chest pain, coughing, and dyspnea. Patients who have been exposed to asbestos are at increased risk for malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Identification and confirmation of pleural plaque presence may aid patients in seeking compensation for asbestos exposure. Clinical findings of pleural plaques may indicate need for further testing and patient monitoring. This report aims to broaden awareness of a sign of asbestos exposure and inform clinicians about patient populations in which further health surveillance is warranted.Item The Effect of Dietary Loading on Structural Determinants of Force Production in the Rat Masseter(2020) Menegaz, Rachel A.; Rossiter, JeffreyPurpose: Biomechanical loading associated with feeding is known to direct cranial bone growth, however less is known about its effects on masticatory muscle growth and performance. Peak muscle contractile forces are determined by a combination of factors including mass, fiber length, and fiber type. Here, we test the hypothesis that mechanically challenging diets increase the physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA), an estimate of maximum contractile force at tetanus, in the rat superficial masseter. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were raised on either a hard/tough (overuse) diet or a soft (underuse) diet (n=5/cohort). The superficial masseters were dissected and photographed using a trifocal stereo microscope, and muscle fiber length (6/individual) were measured using ImageJ. Muscle volumes were calculated from in-situ diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced µCT scans. PCSA was calculated using the formula Vm/Lf [muscle volume (cm3) / fiber length (cm)]. Results: Mean PCSA is greater in the overuse cohort than the underuse cohort (38.41 vs 35.09) however the results are not statistically significant (p=0.55) likely due to small sample size. The increase in PCSA for the overuse cohort is driven largely by muscle volume (432.24 vs 410.30 cm3, p=0.0.69) rather than fiber length (11.33 vs 12.35 cm, p=0.031). Conclusions: Mechanically challenging diets tend to be associated with greater masticatory muscle volumes and thus increased PCSA, however future studies with increased sample sizes are needed to verify these results. Previous work from our lab suggests postnatal changes in muscle fiber phenotype also contribute to increased muscle contractile forces during feeding.Item Levator Glandulae Thyroideae(2020) Fisher, Cara; Laborde, Alfred; Blackwood, TaylorBackground: Levator Glandulae Thyroideae (LGT) is an accessory fibromuscular band that originates from the hyoid bone and inserts on the thyroid gland. It is an embryological remnant of contested origin and functions in elevation of the thyroid gland. The incidence of LGT is suggested to be approximately 1 in 6. Case Information: During routine dissection of a 70-year-old African American male cadaver a midline Levator Glandulae Thyroideae muscle was discovered which contained glandular tissue of the pyramidal lobe of the thyroid. The muscle fibers originated from the left side of the hyoid bone and passed superficially over the thyroid cartilage with insertion into the right side of the thyroid gland. Upon deeper dissection, it was noted that the LGT created a permanent indentation within the left aspect of the thyroid cartilage notch. This cadaver was noted to also have an anatomical variation in his neck region with his left external jugular vein coursing superficially to the clavicle. The cause of death is suspected to be unrelated and was noted to be metastatic esophageal carcinoma. Conclusions: Variations in cervical anatomy are common and knowledge of these variants is critical for surgeons to achieve quality patient outcomes. Clinicians using ultrasonography and CT imaging should be aware of the LGT to prevent a misdiagnosis of tumor or thyroglossal duct infection. While further study is needed to determine the embryological origin of the LGT, we postulate that the impression in the thyroid cartilage will help anatomists discover those details.Item The Sternalis Muscle: A Case Report(2020) Fisher, Cara; Kadado, KevinBackground: The sternalis muscle is considered to be a rare anatomical variation found in about 5-6% of cases. First discovered in the early 1600s, the sternalis muscle has been a controversial topic due to variations that exist in its morphology, innervation and vascular supply. Method: During a routine dissection of a 73-year-old (Male) cadaver, a single, large sternalis muscle was discovered on the left thoracic wall. Nine other donors were dissected (n=10) to look for the presence of other sternalis muscle variants. Results: Out of ten cadavers, one sternalis muscle was identified. The sternalis muscle was located on the left thoracic wall. The proximal tendon was a continuation of the sternocleidomastoid, with the medial and lateral borders of the muscle attaching to the pectoral fascia. At the superior border of the 4th rib, the medial aspect of the muscle has a firm attachment to the gladiolus. Laterally the muscle attaches firmly to the 5th rib. Both aspects of the muscle attach inferiorly to the 6th rib via a diffuse tendon and blend in with surrounding deep fascia. Muscle fibers are vertical in orientation. Conclusion: The sternalis muscle is clinically relevant and should be considered by radiologists and surgeons when dealing with the thoracic wall. The sternalis muscle can be mistaken for a breast nodule on mammography, which can lead to unnecessary testing if clinicians are unaware of its existence.Item A Case of An Accessory Levator Scapulae Muscle(2020) Mong, Joy; Fisher, Cara; Wagner, LianneIntroduction: The levator scapulae is a posterior axioappendicular muscle that attaches the upper limb to the vertebral column. It originates from C1-C4 transverse processes and inserts on the margin of the superomedial angle of the scapula. This case report documents a variation of the musculature in the levator scapulae with a unilateral accessory muscle inserting into the trapezius instead of the scapula. Background: There have been some documented cases of anatomical variations of levator scapulae, however these variations were usually found to be of atypical origin or insertion. There have not been any documented cases of an accessory levator scapulae muscle belly matching the morphology noted here. The clinical implications of anatomical variants such as this one must be considered. Case Findings: During a detailed cadaver dissection of a 92 year-old female, a left unilateral accessory muscle of the levator scapulae was discovered. It originated just anterior to the bulk of the levator scapulae at the C2 level and inserted into the superior descending trapezius. This accessory levator scapulae measured 6.5 cm long and 0.5 cm wide. Conclusion: Knowledge of anatomical variants of levator scapulae is relevant to clinicians working in the fields of surgery, neurology, radiology and musculoskeletal medicine. This muscle is frequently implicated in the etiopathology of neck and shoulder pain and increased tension in levator scapulae has also been linked to increased cervicogenic headaches. Structural variations, such as this, may be a contributing factor to postural abnormalities leading to chronic myofascial pain and headaches.Item Biosafety measures to address challenges in expanding an anatomical laboratory(2020) Nair, Maya; Reeves, Rustin; Yellott, Claudia; Tolulope Orimoloye, HelenIntroduction Laboratory work requires the use of potentially hazardous materials, sophisticated equipment, technical operations, and procedures to enhance discoveries. Health and biosafety considerations are made when designing laboratories, or when labs are renovated to accommodate more storage or research. The question then arises for the need of further biosafety requirements for a lab expansion. The anatomy laboratory at UNTHSC recently expanded their storage facilities to accommodate more donors to the Willed Body Program. Biosafety practices are crucial to prevent exposures to chemical and biological agents. There is a gap in knowledge about the biosafety challenges involved with the expansion of an anatomy lab. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the biosafety requirements and challenges for anatomical lab expansion. Methods Current regulations and recommendations for biosafety practices in anatomical laboratories from the State Anatomical Board of Texas will be reviewed to ensure compliance. A risk assessment of the laboratory will be performed to determine the potential hazards and the engineering requirements of safety protocols that will be needed during expansion. Materials and waste management, as well as air handling procedures will be reviewed, as well as the training procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The biosafety officer will ensure that the SOPs must cover hazard communication, accident and incident reporting system, personal protective equipment use, post-exposure and prophylaxis plan, transfer of equipment, and entry and exit procedures. Conclusion Our goal is to ensure the biosafety measures will help reduce the challenges in expanding the anatomical laboratory at UNTHSC.Item Bilateral Omohyoid Variant(2020) Reeves, Kirk; Fisher, Cara; Robert Wright, TommyBackground: This case report describes and documents a bilateral anatomical omohyoid variant that was discovered during a routine cadaveric dissection. The omohyoid is one of the infrahyoid muscles consisting of a superior and inferior muscle belly, with an intermediate tendon connecting the two at an angle. While the omohyoid muscles play an important role in depressing the hyoid bone during phonation and swallowing, they also serve as an important surgical landmark for level III and IV lymph node metastasis. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the variations that could occur with the omohyoid muscles and their subsequent potential side effects. Case Information: Careful dissection of the omohyoid muscles of a 92-year-old female cadaver revealed alterations from the normal anatomy. The left omohyoid muscle exhibited two inferior muscle bellies, with one having a midclavicular attachment and the other attaching to the superior border of the scapula. The right omohyoid displayed three different inferior muscle bellies, with one attaching to the midshaft of the clavicle, another attaching to the lateral aspect of the clavicle, and the last attaching to the superior border of the scapula. Conclusions: Aberrant omohyoid musculature has been described on numerous occasions and warrants significant consideration during a variety of procedures. Variations of the omohyoid muscle can have a range of clinical manifestations including torticollis, dysphagia, dyspnea, and they also serve as important surgical landmarks. Therefore, knowledge of omohyoid variants could lead to better management of patients with omohyoid disorders.Item Modern Day Osteometrics: Testing the Concordance of Postcranial Measurements Collected Manually vs. Digital Methods(2020) Maddux, Scott D.; Kelly, Alexa; Tadlock, JohnathanThe use of medical imaging (CT/MRI) modalities for the collection of osteometric data has become increasingly common in anatomical research. However, the relative accuracy of skeletal measurements collected using these modalities is poorly established. Thus, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that osteometric data collected manually and digitally are reliably comparable. The software program 3D Slicer was chosen for collection of digital measurements because of its widespread usage in modern morphometric research. Maximum femoral length, maximum humeral length, humeral epicondylar breadth, and anteroposterior femoral head diameter (FHD) were collected on 36 humeri and 23 femora. Each of these measurements was taken three times using different methods: (1) physical anthropometry, (2) digitally directly from raw Computed Tomography (CT) scans, and (3) digitally from full-bone 3D models generated from CT scans. Maximum length and epicondylar breadth measurements were all found to be highly comparable between all three measurement methods (Lin's Concordance coefficients 0.96-0.99). Conversely, FHD measurements collected via the two digital methods were found to be poorly comparable to manual measurements (Lin's CC: 0.0832-0.160) with average differences of approximately 7.0 mm (16%). These results suggest that measurements collected digitally are generally comparable to those collected manually using traditional osteometric tools. Methodological discrepancies in measuring FHD may relate to the difficulty of reliably orienting the proximal femur in 3D digital space. Future research into these discrepancies is necessary as FHD is frequently used in regression formulae for estimating stature, body mass, and metabolic requirements.Item Surface Projection of Long Thoracic Nerve in Cadaveric Study(2020) Quiben, Myla; Liu, Howe; Bradley, LibbyPurpose: Long thoracic nerve (LTN) innervates the serratus anterior (SA), which is the primary muscle for scapular protraction and shoulder push-forward action. However, how the LTN route to the muscle in terms of surface projection has not been reported before. Thus, this pilot study was to investigate how the LTN travels down to the muscle with the thumb inter-phalangeal joint (IPJ) width, since the IPJ is one of the most conveniently used measurements in rehab settings. Methods: Eight specimens from 4 previously dissected adult cadavers and one undissected cadaver were utilized for parameter assessment for this study. Forty physical therapy students were recruited for calculation of the average IPJ width. Data was collected with the Vernier caliper. Results: The average IPJ width from students was 2.01cm. By assessing 8 specimens, it's identified that all LTNs originate from the C5-7 spinal roots. These roots converge along transverse processes of C6-7 vertebrae. Then the nerve enters into the axillary fossa and then travels about 4 IPJs of the upper portion of the outer surface of the SA muscle to pierce into the muscle. The piercing point is also 4 IPJs from the apex of the axillary fossa when the arm was placed in 90-degree abduction, which was confirmed by using the undissected cadaver. Conclusion: Results will surely assist clinicians, like physical therapists, to pinpoint the LTN more accurately and efficiently, particularly when modalities and/or nerve manipulation are provided for LTN injury or impingement.Item Anatomical Variation of the Splenius Capitis Muscle(2020) Fisher, Cara; Wright, Tommy; Reeves, KirkBackground: This study involves the post-mortem dissection of a unique orientation of muscle fibers branching from the splenius capitis. The splenius capitis muscle is part of the superficial back, which functions bilaterally to extend the head and unilaterally to flex and rotate to the ipsilateral side. The splenius capitis originates on the spinous processes in the cervical region and inserts into the mastoid process of the temporal bone and lateral one-third of the superior nuchal line of the occiput. Case Information: The muscle variant arose from the medial border of the along the superior nuchal line, traveled lateral to the primary muscle body for 6.1 cm, and inserted into the fascial layer below the mastoid process. Careful attention was paid to accompanying variations in neurovasculature and musculoskeletal function during the dissection. However, no additional structures were found to be travelling along the novel fibers. Due to the small size of the fiber and the insertion into the superficial fascia, no change in function was proposed to be caused by the variant. Conclusions: Due to the variability in musculoskeletal formation in the muscles of the back, care must be taken during surgical procedures in which anatomical variants could alter or impede surgical technique. In addition, variations in musculature of the back must be considered in patients undergoing long-term tension headaches. Careful dissections should be performed in the future to identify anatomical variations.Item The Influence of Ecogeographic Variation in Human Nasal Morphology on Thermal Conditioning of Inspired Air(2020) Amaranayaka, Hasintha; Patil, Sandeep; Yokley, Todd; Dennis, Brian; Maddux, Scott D.; Thai, ElizabethMost air conditioning of inspired air occurs in the nasal passages and is largely dependent on external environments. Studies show strong associations between climate and ecogeographic patterning of human nasal morphology. Individuals indigenous to cold-dry environments exhibit relatively longer/taller/narrower nasal passages than individuals from hot-humid climates. These morphologies are assumed to reflect functional differences. To test these associations between nasal morphology and air-conditioning function, we assessed cranial CT scans of 2 individuals—one of European ancestry (EA) and one of West African ancestry (WA). 3D models of the nasal passages were created using 3D Slicer and Mesh Mixer software and were artificially dilated in-silico to simulate fully decongested nasal passages prior to collecting morphometric measurements, mucosal surface area (SA), and airway volume (AV). 3D models of each individual were then employed in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, via ANSYS fluent software, to assess differences in intranasal airflow heat transfer. Ambient air conditions were set at -5 Celsius, 35% relative humidity. As expected, the EA individual exhibited longer/taller/narrower nasal passages compared to the WA individual. The EA individual had a higher mucosal SA and lower AV resulting in a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio compared to the WA individual. Our CFD simulations also followed theoretical predictions. The higher SA/V ratio of the EA individual resulted in increased heat transfer compared to the WA individual. Our results provide support for assertions that ecogeographic variation in human nasal passages reflects climate-mediated evolutionary demands for intranasal air conditioning.Item Craniofacial Morphology of Juvenile Mice with Osteogenesis Imperfecta(2020) Menegaz, Rachel A.; Organ, Jason; Steele, Ashley T.Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type III is a severe genetic disorder of type I collagen (Col1) which results in bone fragility, reduced stature, and impaired craniofacial growth. To investigate the mechanisms by which Col1 mutations alter craniofacial growth, we used the homozygous recessive OI murine (OIM) mouse model, which is known to exhibit human-like adult phenotypes but for which the juvenile phenotype is unknown. Weaning OIM and wild type (WT) littermates were µCT scanned at 21 days. Craniofacial landmarks were collected using 3D Slicer software. Interlandmark distances (ILDs) and centroid sizes were calculated using Past 2.17 software. ILDs were scaled against skull/mandible centroid size to remove the effect of overall body size for shape analyses. Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare absolute and relative (scaled) ILDs between genotypes. Craniomandibular centroid sizes and absolute linear distances (skull, rostrum, palate, and mandible lengths) demonstrate that OIM mice are smaller overall compared to WT littermates. When scaled to centroid size, juvenile OIM mice have a decrease in midface height, nasal and mandibular diastema length but increased hemimandible length compared to WT mice. For a given skull length, OIM mice have shorter faces in both the anteroposterior and dorsoventral dimensions. The morphometric changes seen in juvenile OIM mice replicate the midfacial hypoplasia seen in human children with OI. This mouse model can be used to investigate the structural changes underlying the human OI phenotype and potential therapeutic interventions. These results can be used to inform future investigations of Col1 in craniofacial development.Item Anatomical Variation in a Deep Back Muscle and Possible Implications(2020) Meehan, Grace; Park, Clair; Riggs, Alison; Hayes, Olivia; Fisher, Cara; Floyd, JillianBackground: The longissimus thoracis muscle is a part of the erector spinae muscle group, originating from the thoracolumbar fascia, and inserting onto the transverse processes of the first through twelfth thoracic vertebrae. The multifidus muscle originates from the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and inserts on the spinous processes; it is involved in extension and stabilization of the vertebrae in localized movements. Dysfunctions of these muscles are often associated with low back pain, a common complaint among U.S. patients. Case Presentation: This case study describes a novel anatomical variation in the musculature of the deep back discovered during a routine dissection of a 72-year-old female cadaver. The variation identified in this subject is located unilaterally on the right side, from the PSIS, and ends at the transverse process of the third lumbar vertebrae. Conclusions: Based on our literature review, we have concluded that the variation is an atypical deep back muscle. Future studies could examine the effects of these variants, and their implication, in somatic and physiological dysfunctions, such as scoliosis.Item Anatomical Mapping of The Posterior Interosseous Nerve and Artery(2020) Liu, Howe; Salem, Yasser; Bell, Richard; Penfield, MonicaPurpose: To determine variation of where the posterior interosseous artery (PIA) and nerve (PIN) converge in the distal, posterior aspect of the forearm. Methods: At the UNTHSC anatomy lab, 10 cadavers (five men and five women) were selected and dissected. The merging of the PIN and PIA was revealed in the left and right forearms for each cadaver. A digital caliper was used to measure from the middle point between the olecranon process and lateral epicondyle to the location of where the structures meet in the forearm. These measurements were then converted to average thumb interphalangeal joint (IPJ) widths (based on previous research). Results: The data collected from the ten cadavers indicate that the PIN and PIA converge, on average, 91.492 mm (9.1492 cm, about 4.5 thumb IPJ widths) down the length of the forearm. The variation between the left and right upper extremities within each cadaver ranged from 0 mm to 8.667 mm. Conclusion: The results provide a valuable clinic resource for medical professionals attempting to provide effective manual intervention or modalities to relieve the symptoms of PIA or PIN entrapment within the posterior forearm. The clinician can use an average of 4.5 thumb IPJ widths to measure distally down the forearm to identify the approximate convergence location of the PIA and PIN structures. Keywords: surface projection, cadaver, posterior interosseous nerve, posterior interosseous artery.Item Development of Craniofacial Biomineralization in Mice with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)(2020) Menegaz, Rachel A.; Robert Wright, TommyOsteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by genetic mutations that affect type I collagen (Col1) synthesis. The severe OI type III phenotype generally includes a short stature, low bone mineral density (BMD), dental problems, hearing loss, and blue sclerae. In this study, we use a mouse model of OI type III to examine how mutations in type I collagen synthesis impact craniofacial biomineralization during postnatal growth. The homozygous recessive osteogenesis imperfecta murine (OIM) is characterized by increased skeletal fractures, low postcranial BMD, progressive skeletal deformities, and small body size. Wild type mice (WT) and OIM littermates (n>3/genotype) were micro-CT scanned at weaning (4 weeks) and adulthood (16 weeks). BMD at three regions of interest (ROI) within the mouse skull was measured using Bruker CTAnalyzer software: (1) the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), (2) the parietal bone (1mm from the sagittal suture), and (3) the anterior maxilla at the incisal alveolus. Mann-Whitney U-tests (?=0.05) were used to compare BMD values between the genotypes for each ROI. At weaning, OIM mice had significantly lower BMD values (g.cm-3 CaHA) than their wild type littermates at all three ROIs, and these differences persist into adulthood. This decrease in BMD reflects decreased deposition of CaHA due to an abnormal collagen framework in the craniofacial skeleton of OIM mice. Ongoing efforts will expand this analysis to quantify the development of BMD at additional regions within the craniofacial skeleton.Item A DILATED, TORTUOUS UTERINE ARTERY: GROSS ANATOMICAL VARIANT AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE(2020) Fisher, Cara; Clark, ChelseaPurpose: Dilated tortuous uterine arteries are associated with multipara, and the resultant decreased blood flow can lead to a multitude of pre- and post-partum complications. We report an anatomical variant, provide retrospective discussion on previous research, and advocate future efforts in identification specifically to aid in preeclampsia screening and prevention. Methods: A left hemisected pelvis of a 43-year-old embalmed female cadaver was dissected. It revealed a dilated tortuous ascending branch of the uterine artery. We used digital imaging measurement software (ImageJ NIH, Bethesda MD) to measure the artery. Results: The dilated tortuous segment contained a total of eighteen direction changes in a ~2cm span. Conclusions: This variant illustrates the substantial compression of uterine artery vasculature in the body to less than 1/3 of its true length, a common finding in multiparous women experiencing preeclampsia. We suggest research focusing on developing a reproducible, credible identification method for uterine artery variants in women presenting with associated symptoms in order to prevent dangerous clinical manifestations.Item Variation in the Origination of the Right Obturator(2020) Fisher, Cara; Vu, Katie; Narayanan, NeerajaBackground: Knowing the anatomical location and origins of pelvic vasculature in the human body is imperative while performing laparoscopic procedures to mitigate hemorrhages. The obturator artery is well known for having variations in its course and origin. The obturator artery is a branch of the internal iliac artery in 79% of humans and travels alongside the obturator nerve through the obturator canal to supply the adductor muscles in the medial compartment of the thigh. The likelihood of the obturator artery branching off from the external iliac artery is 19%. Case Information: During pelvic dissections, our cadaver (60 year old Caucasian male) presented with a tortuous obturator artery branching from the external iliac artery in the right lateral pelvic region. The right obturator artery branches at 10.2 cm from the junction of right the external iliac artery from the right common iliac artery. The variant artery then proceeded to travel through the obturator foramen alongside the obturator nerve. Conclusion: In majority of humans, the obturator artery branches from the internal iliac artery, but studies have shown that the obturator artery can also arise from the external iliac artery or the inferior epigastric artery. Surgeons and radiologists should be aware of such anomalies while performing pelvic surgery or interpreting angiographies. While it appears most individuals with obturator artery variation are asymptomatic, further studies would need to be conducted to determine other implications. This report aims to spread awareness of the possibility of such vasculature variations amongst future health-care professionals and anatomists.Item Nasal morphology and health disparities in asthma: A study assessing semi-automated tools for processing computed tomography scans in 3D morphometric research(2020) Maddux, Scott D.; Kim, Suhhyun; Das, SiddharthPurpose: As the nasal complex is predominantly responsible for respiratory heat and moisture exchange, it has been suggested that abnormal nasal anatomy may increase asthmatic symptoms. Recent research has increasingly turned to medical imaging modalities, requiring processing of large samples (n>10,000). The lack of automated procedures for scan processing has represented a significant obstacle for such studies. Accordingly, the purpose of this project was to evaluate the applicability of a newly developed subroutine for the NIH-funded 3D Slicer program to semi-automate the alignment of cranial CT-scans into the Frankfort Horizontal plane for subsequent morphometric assessment as a part of a larger asthma-related study. Methods: Selected CT scans were drawn from 5,221 asthma and control cohorts from JPS hospital in Fort Worth, TX. Each scan was first processed using traditional methods for aligning the cranium into the Frankfort Horizontal plane, followed by a trial employing a new python-based alignment subroutine for "SlicerMorph" extension on 3D Slicer for comparison. Results: Overall, the subroutine showed a significant improvement in image processing times, reducing alignment time for a single scan by approximately 60%. The accuracy of alignment was found to be substantially improved due to the relative ease of locating three fiducial landmarks (left orbitale, left porion, right porion) for alignment compared to the traditional method. Conclusion: This novel subroutine allows for efficient processing of CT scans. Furthermore, we expect use of this subroutine will significantly decrease intra- and inter-observer error, increasing the accuracy of obtained morphometric data.