Indian Journal of Anatomy

Introduction: The roof of ethmoid (fovea ethmoidalis) separates the ethmoidal cells from the anterior cranial
fossa. Medially the fovea attaches to the lateral lamella of the cribriform plate (LLCP), which is the thinnest bone of
the skull base. Hence, it is at a high risk of getting damaged during endoscopic sinus surgery. Objective: To evaluate
the height of lateral lamella of cribriform plate using the computed tomographic (CT) images of patients. Materials
and Methods: Coronal views of 80 computed tomography films of paranasal sinus region were studied. Coronal
sections at the level of centre of infra-orbital foramina were taken as the reference slide. The height of the lateral
lamella of the cribriform plate was measured and then classified according to Keros classification. Results: The CT
scans from 80 patients were analyzed. The median height of the LLCP in 160 sides was 3.3 mm (SD+1.63). The
LLCP height was 0 to 3.9 mm in 122 sides, 4.0 to 7.0 mm in 33 sides, and greater than 7.0m min 5 sides. The lateral
lamella of the cribriform plate averaged 3.47 mm (SD +1.68) in height on the right side and 3.08 mm (SD+1.59) on
the left. The LLCP height was greater on the right side in 55 patients, greater on the left side in 19 and equal on
both sides in 6 patients. The difference between sides was 0 to 1.9 mm in 78 patients, 2.0 to 3.9 mm in 1 patient, and
greater than 4.0 mm in 1 patient. Student t test was used to compare the mean height of LLCP on each side. t value
= 1.519. The difference of the height was not significant when right and left sides were compared (p = 0.131).
Conclusion: In our study, the median height of the LLCP was 3.3 mm. Mean height of the LLCP on right side (3.47)
was more than mean height of the LLCP on left side (3.08). But the difference was not statistically significant.
However, variations do exist between right and left sides. A surgeon must take proper caution while operating
in the area of lateral lamella of cribriform plate to prevent unintentional skull base injury and cerebrospinal fluid
leak. A proper pre-operative evaluation of computed tomography of para nasal sinuses is essential to avoid life
threatening complications during endoscopic sinus surgery.

Introduction: Chronic Otitis media is still a serious disease all around the world. The disturbance in the ventilation of the middle ear appears to play a major role in etiology of chronic otitis media especially in formation of cholesteatoma. The angle between the Reid’s plane and the eustachian tube (ET) decides the ventilating function of the eustachian tube. This study aimed to compare the mean of Eustachian tube- Reid’s plane angle in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) patient with and without cholesteatoma. Objective: To compare the mean of Eustachian tube - Reid’s plane angle in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) patients with and without cholesteatoma using high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) Temporal bone. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 2 patient groups. First group consisted of 50 patients with Chronic Otitis media with cholesteatoma and the second group consisted of 50 patients without cholesteatoma. The presence or absence of cholesteatoma was decided based on records of intra-operative findings and HRCT temporal bone reports. The Reid’s plane- ET angle was measured using High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of the temporal bones in both groups and compared. Results: The mean Reid’s plane-ET angle was 27.20 degrees in the first group with cholesteatoma with a standard deviation of +1.92. The mean Reid’s plane-ET angle was 31.69 degrees in the second group without cholesteatoma with a standard deviation of +2.25. Independent t test (student t test) used for analysis. t value was 10.709. p value was <0.0001. The findings were statistically significant. There was highly significant difference in mean Eustachian tube- Reid’s plane angle between group 2 and group 1 (it was higher among group 2 compared to group 1). Conclusion: The Reid’s plane-ET angle has a major role in assessing the eustachian tube dysfunction. A reduced Reid’s plane-ET angle noted in a pre-operative tomographic assessment gives clues about the possibility of cholesteatoma in chronic otitis media. This assessment will help the ear surgeon to plan surgery accordingly for better post-operative results.

Introduction: The femoral artery is commonly used for angiographic procedures. The Profunda femoris artery (PFA) is the largest branch of femoral artery. The knowledge of anatomical variation of PFA is clinically significant in view of most angiographic diagnostic procedures being performed in this region. A high origin of PFA is closely related with femoral nerve and its branches posing immense challenge to re-vascular surgeon in this region. Objective: To study the variation of PFA with respect to its origin, distance of origin from mid inguinal point and the direction of origin. Methods: A total of 30 femoral triangles were dissected in 15 human cadavers. The PFA was identified and its source, site and direction was noted. Results: The PFA originated from the postero lateral aspect of the femoral artery in 53.33%, lateral aspect in 33.33%, posterior aspect in 10% and from the anterolateral aspect in 3.33% of the cases. The PFA was found to originate from external iliac artery in 10% cases (3 out of 30) out of which the variation was seen bilaterally in one cadaver. The mean distance of origin of PFA from the mid inguinal point is 23 mm. Conclusion: Knowledge in the anatomical variations of the PFA helps the clinician to avoid iatrogenic injury while performing various procedures like angiography, venous excess for femoral vein, femoral nerve block. Pseudo aneurysms can occur when the puncture site is the PFA or Femoral artery distal to the origin of the PFA. 

Introduction: In our study, the aim was to study renal artery of human kidneys and its variation. We present double and triple renal arteries discovered during a routine dissection of abdomen at department of anatomy. Material and method: 50 human kidney were studied on different numbers by dissection method in Indian people Results: the present study showed number of single renal artery found in 90%, double renal artery found in 6% and triple renal artery found in 4% in cases. Conclusions: Knowledge of these variations is important during management of renal surgery in hypertensive patient

Introduction: Anatomy museum specimens are used as a visual undergraduate and postgraduate teaching aids, which are gradually replacing cadaveric teaching. Among this, neuroanatomy specimens are delicate and utmost care is required to handle them and are also difficult to obtain. This necessitates the requirement of robust neuroanatomy specimen preparation and preservation for teaching medical students. Material and Methods: The neuroanatomy specimens were collected after careful dissection from the cadavers using standard dissection methods. After thorough washing, the specimens were placed in 10% formalin solution for fixation. After fixation the specimens were mounted, placed in the acrylic boxes and displayed for teaching and learning in the anatomy museum. Results and Conclusion: The specimens resulted in better understanding of anatomical details and relations of structures. Neatly dissected, carefully preserved specimens of various sections of the brain are useful for teaching and research purposes.

Background: One of the most variable muscles in the human body is palmaris longus. The donor tendon is selected for grafting is dependent on the size, length, and width of the tendon. In view of the above significance, this study is taken up with the purpose to determine the morphological variations of palmaris longus muscle. Aim: The palmaris longus muscle was studied pertaining to its: width & length of the fleshy belly, width & length of the tendon. Materials & methods: This study was conducted in Anatomy Department of following colleges: Dr B.R. Ambedkar Medical college, Bangalore, Hassan Institute of Medical Science, Hassan and Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Tamaka, Kolar. A total of 60 upper limbs out of which, 25 were from males cadavers & 5 were female cadavers were dissected and study was conducted from 2011 to 2014. All the measurements of palmaris longus were taken using digital vernier calipers. esults: The length of Palmaris longus tendon 238.4 mm and width of palmaris longus tendon is 5.94 mm. The results of this study confirms that in a South Karnataka region suggest the palmaris longus tendons would be of ideal width and strength for use as grafts in reconstructive surgery. Conclusion: In our study, the width of palmaris longus tendon is 5.94 mm. Hence, tendons from upper limb should be considered when strength of width is important. The palmaris longus and plantaris tendons are the most suitable tendons in reconstructive surgeries. The other tendons which are suitable are extensors of the digits and tendons of flexor digitorum superficialis.

Aim: In this study an attempt has been made to derive a linear regression equation for estimation of stature from the length of foot. Background: Estimation of stature from foot length is considered as an important parameter in medico-legal and forensic examinations. When highly decomposed and mutilated dead bodies with fragmentary remains are brought for postmortem examination, it becomes difficult to identify the deceased. Material Methods: The present study is conducted on 506 medical students 255 male and 251 female of age group between 18 - 25 years, was conducted at Index medical college hospital and research center Indore. The measurements were taken by using standard anthropometric instruments are the - I. Standard flexible steel tape. II. Spreading caliper (0-300 mm). Results: The observed data was subjected to statistical analysis like ‘t’ test for correlation coefficient. The value of ‘t’ was found to be statistically significant. Simple linear regression equation derived has been used for estimation of height. Conclusion: It is concluded that the foot length provides good reliability in estimation of stature in forensic examinations & in medico legal cases and the correlation between present parameters can be helpful in medico-legal cases for identification of individuals. Regression equation derived can be of help in artificial limb centers for construction of prosthesis required in cases of amputations following gangrene, trauma, frostbite etc.

Introduction: On the anterolateral aspect of mandible, mental foramen is found which transmits mental nerve and vessels.It is the ending of mandibular canal which gives passage for inferior alveolar nerve and vessels. The commonly used injection for anaesthetising the mandibular teeth is the inferior alveolar nerve block. Materials & Methods: During osteology demonstrations, we observed accessory mental foramen in 9 (nine) mandibles with varying location with reference to mental foramen’s location. We have conducted study on 35 mandibles. Results: We observed accessory mandibular foramen above mental foramen in 3 (three) mandibles and behind mental foramen in 6 (six) mandibles. To anesthetise anterior teeth, the possible way is to introduce anaesthesia besides mental foramen.

Anthropometric refers to the measurements of living human body dimensions for the purpose of understanding human physical variation as it plays an important role in plastic surgery, prosthetics, so on for data collection. Many studies have defined human body parts and their proportion to each other morphometrically in human ear is the defining feature of the face and its structure shows the signs of age & sex. The human ear is divided in to external, middle and internal parts.Pinna & external acoustic meatus form the external ear. This study was carried out on 100 medical students age ranges from 17-26 years (44 females/56 males) studying in Ayaan institute of medical sciences, kanakamamidi, R.R. Dist. Telangana Subjects with evidence of congenital ear anomalies or previous ear surgeries excluded from the study. Following parameters of the external ear measured according to Mckinney et al. methodology. Anthropological measurement of external ear was found significantly different in male and females. Knowledge about the normal ear dimensions is important in the diagnosis of congenital malformations, syndromes and acquired deformities as well as planning of treatment & hearing instruments industry. This study provides the mean values of the different morphometric measurements of right & left ears in the medical students age ranging from 17-26 years in Indian region. 

Aim: To evaluate morphometric measurements of mastoid process in temporal bone and to determine their bilateral differences. Introduction: Mastoid process is conical projection of mastoid part of temporal bone. It is situated behind external acoustic meatus and is connected with occipital and parietal bone by occipito-mastoid and parieto-mastoid sutures. The junction of these sutures with lambdoid meet at asterion, which coincides with postero-lateral fontanelle. The external surface is rough and inner surface presents a notch and a groove. It presents mastoid foramen which transmits emissary veins. Methods: One hundred South Indian dry skulls of unknown sex and age were studied from the bone collection available at Anatomy department. The parameters of mastoid process like Shape, Breadth, Height, Surface area and Volume were determined. The absence of mastoid foramen was also noted. Results: We observed mainly 4 types of shapes of mastoid process in our study. Ovoid, Globular, Conical and Bifid. Ovoid shaped process in most cases and Bifid shape is seen least in our study. Breadth and Height of mastoid process are more on the right side when compared to left side. Surface area in cms and Volume was in cubic cm also showed to be slightly more on the right side. All the parameters showed right sided dominance. Mastoid foramina were absent in 6 mastoid process. 3 on left side and 3 on right side.

Introduction: Arterial supply of kidney comes from renal artery which are the branches of abdominal aorta. Aim & objectives: To study the variations of branching pattern of renal artery & abdominal aorta. Material and methods: In the present study 30 cadavers were studied during routine dissection from Ayaan institute of medical sciences & DR. VRK womens medical college, moinabad. For Dissection followed the Cunningham’s manual volume-II. Results & observation: out of 60 renal arteries observed the two variations. Right renal artery gives right testicular artery, another variation on left side abdominal aorta gave accessory renal artery. Conclusion: Knowledge of arterial supply of kidney is important to urologist, vascular surgeons, nephrologists and radiologist 

Introduction: Need of minimum length and diameter of graft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction and possible predictability with anthropometric parameters. Semitendinosus as solitary tendon is the preferred choice among all the grafts in recent years. Quadrupled tendon graft requires certain length of the tendon. Pre- operative assessment of graft size helps in planning of procedure. Materials and Method: In this prospective study 68 (57 Male and 11 Female) patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendons were included. All the anthropometric parameters like height, weight, age, sex, BMI were recorded preoperatively. Intra operatively tendon length and its quadrupled (by folding the tendon on itself) diameter is measured. Results: Average length of tendon was 27 cm and quadrupled diameter 7 mm. Semitendinosus tendon length was adequate in 52% of patients in our study. In female patients only 18% had adequate tendon length. Quadrupled diameter was adequate (7 mm or more) in all the patients. This Indicates that tendon length has no relation to diameter. Height is the only parameter indicative of tendon length in both sexes. Weight/BMI were moderate indicator of thickness or diameter in both the sexes. In our study all those of the height 170 cm or more had adequate tendon length and diameter. Discussion: Semitendinosus tendon length is predictable as the study shows strong relation to height of the individual. Similar observations made in other studies on Indian population. Diameter or the thickness is moderately related to BMI. Thickness of tendon in our local population is adequate. 

Introduction: Identification of sex by human skeletal remains is very important in anthropological and medico legal works. Over the years different authors had carried various types of measurements on dry human sacrum. Materials and Methods: The present study carried out on 50 sacra of unknown sex contains 24 male and 26 female sacra identified by physical characteristics. They were collected from Gujarat. Parameters like maximum sacral length and maximum sacral breadth were measured on the sacrum and sacral index calculated by that. Results: In present study the mean of sacral length in male is 102.58 mm and in female 111.74 mm. The mean of sacral breath in male is 103.21 mm and in female 102.34 mm and the sacral index is 99.68 in male and 109.36 in female. This index was compared with similar studies from Gujarat and other parts of India. Conclusion: Sacral index and sacral length both are statistically significant. So from sacrum it is possible to identify sex and also help in medicolegal aspects. 

Introduction: The femoral artery is commonly used for angiographic procedures. The Profunda femoris artery (PFA) is the largest branch of femoral artery. The knowledge of anatomical variation of PFA is clinically significant in view of most angiographic diagnostic procedures being performed in this region. A high origin of PFA is closely related with femoral nerve and its branches posing immense challenge to re-vascular surgeon in this region. nObjective: To study the variation of PFA with respect to its origin, distance of origin from mid inguinal point and the direction of origin. Methods: A total of 30 femoral triangles were dissected in 15 human cadavers. The PFA was identified and its source, site and direction was noted. Results: The PFA originated from the postero lateral aspect of the femoral artery in 53.33%, lateral aspect in 33.33%, posterior aspect in 10% and from the anterolateral aspect in 3.33% of the cases. The PFA was found to originate from external iliac artery in 10% cases (3 out of 30) out of which the variation was seen bilaterally in one cadaver. The mean distance of origin of PFA from the mid inguinal point is 23 mm. Conclusion: Knowledge in the anatomical variations of the PFA helps the clinician to avoid iatrogenic injury while performing various procedures like angiography, venous excess for femoral vein, femoral nerve block. Pseudo aneurysms can occur when the puncture site is the PFA or Femoral artery distal to the origin of the PFA.