The external iliac vein is the direct continuation of the femoral vein and originates at the level of the lower margin of the inguinal ligament. The external iliac vein receives typical venous tributaries, such as the inferior epigastric vein and the deep circumflex iliac vein. Herein, we identified a rare tributary, which joined the dorsal aspect of the right external iliac vein and did not correspond to any of the typical tributaries. It arose from periosteum near the greater sciatic notch, received several venous tributaries, and finally joined the right external iliac vein. Caudally, it communicated with a tributary originated from a venous ring within the pelvic cavity. As it ran cranially, it received an anastomotic vein derived from the right superior vesical vein and the right uterine vein, the right iliolumbar vein, and a venous tributary originated from the right spinal vein. It was noted that, in present case, there are several venous rings in the pelvic cavity. In particular, the venous ring surrounding the right internal pudendal artery received the right obturator vein and the right inferior vesical vein. This venous ring gave off four veins, two of them joined the tributary that we identified in the present study and another two connected to the right internal iliac vein. The present case may be helpful for understanding the variation of the iliac venous system.
Anatomical variations in the branching patterns of the aortic arch affect endovascular access, surgical planning, and cerebral perfusion strategies. However, the quantitative relationship between branching topology and the frequency distribution of these variations remains unclear. The study aimed to explore whether topological differences among final aortic arch branching configurations are associated with their reported frequencies. Seven pooled type-level frequency estimates from a published meta-analysis were analyzed. Node-Shift and Edge-Loss-Change Scores were defined from the final branching topology relative to Type 1 (separate brachiocephalic, left common carotid, and left subclavian origins from a left-sided arch). A three-parameter log-linear model was fitted by ordinary least squares to natural-log-transformed frequencies. Leave-one-out cross-validation and sensitivity analyses by study modality, study size, and exclusion of Type 1 or Type 4 (common brachiocephalic–left common carotid origin with a left vertebral artery arising directly from the arch) were performed. The fitted log-linear model had an intercept of 4.491 and coefficients of −2.751 for the Node-Shift Score and − 5.474 for the Edge-Loss-Change Score. The coefficient of determination was 0.932 on the log-frequency scale and 0.974 after back-transformation to the original frequency scale. Leave-one-out Q² values were 0.821 and 0.778 on the log and original scales, respectively. Coefficients remained negative in imaging-only, cadaveric-only, studies with at least 100 specimens, Type 1-excluded, and Type 4-excluded analyses. Within this seven-type aggregated dataset, configurations with larger topological scores had lower reported frequencies. The proposed scores provide a compact exploratory description of branching variation, but the model does not establish a developmental mechanism, predict individual anatomy, or support direct clinical decision-making without external validation.
Traditional white matter (WM) dissection techniques, such as the Klingler method, employ wooden or metal instruments that may cause myelin wear and limit fine anatomical separation. Inspired by clinical water-jet applications, we investigated the feasibility of an air-jet dissector (pneumodissection) for WM dissection, leveraging the Coandă effect to gently separate contiguous fiber tracts while preserving their integrity. A portable air compressor was modified with an extended tube and an 18G blunt needle tip. A left cerebral hemisphere, prepared according to a modified Klingler freeze-thaw protocol, was dissected under exoscope magnification. Airflow was delivered at pressures between 0.8 and 3 bar. Dissection followed Klingler’s stepwise protocol, adapted to the ergonomics and dynamics of the air-jet device. The air-jet dissector enabled progressive detachment of pia–arachnoid membranes, cortex and U-fibers, with clear exposure of commissural, projection, and association bundles. Low-pressure flow (0.8–1.2 bar) was used for delicate superficial planes and U-shaped fibers, whereas transient increases up to 3 bar were used for more resistant cortical or deep tissue planes. During this feasibility experiment, the air jet reduced broad direct instrument–tissue contact and helped clear loose debris and surface fluid from the operative field. Vessel–fiber interfaces and anatomical cleavage planes were sharply delineated. The device’s portability and pressure modulation allowed both blunt and sharp dissection functions through a single tool. Air-jet dissection is a novel and complementary technique for white matter study. The present study does not establish superiority or reduced tissue damage compared with conventional manual tools because no matched quantitative comparison or histological assessment was performed. Further replicated and standardized studies are required to define reproducibility, tissue effects, and any objective advantage over established dissection methods.
The attachment between the flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus tendons is referred to as the “Henry’s knot” in the literature. This structure is considered a vital anatomical reference point in numerous clinical applications. Accurate knowledge of the morphological features and variations of the Henry’s knot is critical, particularly in preventing iatrogenic injuries during surgical procedures. The aim of this study is to examine the anatomical features of Henry’s knot in detail, to classify it morphologically, and to contribute to the developmental and clinical anatomy literature by measuring its distances from anatomical reference points.Our study was conducted using anatomical dissection of 58 fetal cadavers (29 female and 29 male) aged between 17 and 40 weeks of gestation. Henry’s knot was categorized into 6 types. Type 1 was the most common type found (51.7
The simple, rapid, and inexpensive mold silicone infusion technique is recognized by neuroanatomical laboratories. This study optimized the dye-staining step of the mold silicone perfusion technique and explored the optimal method for staining mold silicone. Vascular perfusion was performed in six embalmed anatomical donor heads. Three were perfused using the conventional technique with fat-soluble-dyed mold silicone, and the other three using the rapid-curing technique with water-soluble-dyed mold silicone. The three specimens perfused with fat-soluble-dyed silicone showed dye extravasation and staining of the brain tissue and/or cranial nerves, which became more severe over time. The three specimens perfused with water-soluble-dyed silicone showed good vascular filling, bright colors, and clear contrast, without staining of the brain tissue or cranial nerves. Rapid-curing perfusion of the anatomical donor head vessels with water-soluble-dyed mold silicone clearly displays the arteries and veins with bright colors and sharp contrast and does not stain the brain tissue or cranial nerves. This technique is therefore suitable for neuroanatomy teaching and experiments.
