Indian Journal of Anatomy

Background: Variation in blood vessels is not uncommon and is more frequently seen in veins including retromandibular vein. The Knowledge of variation of superficial veins of head -neck is important to surgeon as these may be used for reconstruction surgery. Aims & objectives: To know variation in origin, course and termination of retromandibular vein. Methods and observations: During routine dissection for undergraduate class in the department of anatomy, a duplication of retromandibular vein was observed on left side in a 47 year old male cadaver. Conclusions: This case is being reported to highlight this rare variation of retromandibular vein, which may have significance in surgical and modern imaging field to localize the parotid tumor in relation to facial nerve and its subsequent removal. Although variations of retromandibular vein are reported earlier, but duplication is unique because of its rarity. 

Keywords: Retromandibular vein; Facial nerve; Parotidectomy.

Malrotation is not a common condition in relation to kidney and can present with certain problems during different surgical procedures. A proper knowledge of Anatomy of Kidneys is important . The condition has been associated with many other clinical conditions like accessory or aberrant vessels and in relation to certain distinctive syndromes.we present a rare case of Malrotation of Left Kidney with Accessory Lower Renal artery

Keywords: Metanephros; Kidney; Malrotation.

Anatomic variations involving different nerves and muscles of upper limb are known to occur. Knowledge of any deviation from the normal pattern of distribution of anatomical structures helps the surgeons and other clinicians during any intervention of the upper limb. In the present case, during routine dissection of a female cadaver in the left upper limb, we found communication between left median nerve and musculocutaneous nerve in the proximal region of arm and left musculocutaneous not piercing the coracobrachialis muscle in the arm. The musculocutaneous nerve instead of piercing coracobrachialis passes in between biceps and brachialis. Coracobrachialis is supplied by a branch directly from the lateral cord and another from musculocutaneous nerve. However, the rest of the distribution of the median and musculocutaneous nerve were normal. 

Key words: Musculocutaneous nerve; Coracobrachialis muscle; Biceps; Brachialis.

Conjoined twins have interested people throughout history. In the earliest times they were known as gods, or feared as bad omens and exiled, abandoned or killed. In later days they were viewed as curiosities, and became circus or sideshow attractions. Now days, because of sophisticated separation techniques conjoined twins are no longer looked as freaks but individuals. Approximately 75% of conjoined twins are female, and 70% are fused at the thorax (Thoracopagus) or abdomen (Omphalopagus). The union can be in the frontal, transverse, or sagittal plane. In broad terms, conjoined twins may be regarded as a doubling anomaly. The later the incomplete embryologic separation occurs, the higher the likelihood of a complicated fusion. 

Keywords: Conjoined; Twins; Thoraco-Omphalopagus.

Background: Radiological investigation has classified the ossified anterior longitudinal ligament into 3 types: segmental, continuous, mixed. The associated common symptoms are the compression of the oesophagus and trachea. Aim: It is aimed to report the noticed ossified anterior longitudinal ligament in a bony specimen. Material and Method: During osteology class a bone specimen with ossified anterior longitudinal ligament was noticed. Results: Ossified anterior longitudinal ligament was observed in the lumbar region of the vertebral column may be between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae. In the present study, based on the projected upper and lower cut ends, it was opined, that the specimen belonged to the continuous type of the ossified anterior longitudinal ligament. Conclusion: The article even though reported the ossified anterior longitudinal ligament; in view of the specimen being bony, the associated clinical findings could not be surmised. 

Keywords: Anterior longitudinal ligament; Ossified; Lumbar vertebrae.

Introduction: Horseshoe kidneys are most common type congenital anomaly of excretory system. The incidence of this anomaly is approximately 1 in 400-500 adults. It is a condition in which there is fusion of both kidneys either at upper or at lower poles mostly fusion of lower poles. This knowledge will be very useful for radiological and surgical procedures. Methods: The present variation was observed during routine dissection 58 year old male cadaver in department of Anatomy of the institute. Results: Both the kidneys were placed at lower level as compared to their normal positions. The lower poles were fused to form the isthmus opposite to the L4 vertebra. As a result of this fusion the inferior pole of each kidney pointed medially. There was no extra renal anomaly such as polycystic kidney or renal cysts were observed. Weight of each kidney was approximately 200 g. While dimensions were length 100mm, width 20mm, and thickness 45mm for right kidney and 108mm, 18mm, 46mm respectively for left. Relation of structures in hilum was on right side from above downward renal vein, renal artery, renal vein and ureter. That on left side was from above downward renal vein, renal artery and pelvis; from before backward renal vein, renal artery. Conclusion: The horseshoe kidneys are usually asymptomatic. They themselves don’t require any treatment and subject can have normal life expectancy unless any complications occur. But since horseshoe kidney can not only alter imaging appearance but also render the kidneys susceptible to trauma, stone formation and transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis. It becomes essential to recognise their presence.

Keywords: Horse shoe kidney; Renal anomalies; Renal artery; Renal vein.

Effective pain control is one of the most important aspects of dental care and maxillofacial surgery.. Having broad knowledge of anatomy is essential for practicing dentistry. The main difficulty with the traditional approach to the mandibular nerve block is the absence of consistent anatomical landmarks. The Significant advantages of the Mandibular nerve block over Inferior Alveolar nerve block include its higher success rate and the absence of problems with accessory sensory innervation to the mandibular teeth. Extraoral mandibular nerve blocks can be attempted in cases of Trismus . However this approach of MNB is not conventional due to unavailability of surface landmarks . The aim of this study is to specify landmarks in dissected cadaveric specimens that will act as a guide for an easy approach to Extraoral Mandibular nerve block(EOMNB). Our study revealed that, in a case of EOMNB , the average distance from centre of base of tragus to the point of needle entry is 1.44 ± 0.15 cm.The average depth the needle has to pass from the skin surface perpendicularly to reach the trunk of the mandibular nerve for a proper dissipation of dye to occur is 4.26 ± 0.33 cm. 

Keywords: Mandibular nerve; Extraoral mandibular nerve block. 

In a morphometric study of normal human foetuses the size and shape of foetal spinal canal was evaluated to determine the reference values for the cervical part of vertebral canal. 30 human foetuses were dissected which were divided in five different groups I to V with gestational ages of less than 17, 17-20, 21-25, 26-30 and more than 30 weeks respectively. The foetuses were dissected and vertebral canal was exposed in coronal plane. Length of cervical part of vertebral canal and transverse diameters at different vertebral levels were recorded by the help of vernier caliper. The widest part of cervical vertebral canal was observed in the upper segment in first three groups, middle in group IV and in the lower part in foetuses of group V. Aforementioned parameters showed a steady but variable rate of growth with increasing gestational age. 

Keywords: Cervical; Foetus; Morphometry; Vertebral canal.

Introduction: Blocking of the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve and its branches is a widely practiced procedure in numerous surgeries of the region such as dental implants in the posterior maxilla, maxillary sinus elevation and surgery in the maxillary quadrant, periodontal procedures, tooth extraction and abscess drainage. The route most commonly utilized in the oral cavity is through the Greater Palatine Foramen (GPF). GPF leads to the palatine canal which gives passage to the greater palatine nerve and vessels. The various published descriptions of the positional geometry of the GPF in the skull are in a much generalized manner without scarce information on the minor details. Methods: The present study was undertaken to define the exact position of GPF in relation to the well defined anatomical landmarks in the maxilla of Indian skulls We studied 98 adult dried, unsexed human skulls. The measurements were taken with the help of stainless steel pointed caliper, scale in millimeters and a needle to show the direction of opening of the GPF. Results: The GPF was located opposite the maxillary third molar tooth in 72.44% of skulls. The direction of opening was forward and medially in 69.4%. The distance of the centre of the GPF to the posterior border of the hard palate was 14 mm on right and left side. Conclusion: These measurements shall assist the clinicians and interventionists to localize the GPF with far greater accuracy. These findings accrue interest as they can reduce the attempts needed to introduce local anaesthetic agents in surgeries involving the maxillofacial region as well as other dental procedures.

Keywords: reater palatine foramen; Incisive foramen; Hard palate; Maxillary molar teeth.