Background. This study thoroughly analyzes the anatomic variations of the brachioradial artery (radial artery of high origin) based on the variability of its origin, the presence and types of anastomosis with the brachial artery in the cubital fossa (“cubital crossover” or “cubital connection”), and the pattern of radial recurrent arteries, as well as the vascular territory within the hand. Material and Methods. One hundred and twenty randomly selected, isolated upper limbs fixed in 10% formalin solution were dissected. Results. The radial artery was found to have a high origin in 9.2% of total number of the limbs: two cases from the axillary artery; nine cases from the brachial artery. Anastomosis between the brachioradial and “normal” brachial arteries in the cubital fossa was also frequently observed (54.6%). The anastomosis (“cubital crossover”) was dominant in one case, balanced in three cases, minimal in two cases, and absent in five cases. Conclusions. The brachioradial artery may originate from the brachial and, less frequently, from the axillary artery. Anastomosis between the brachioradial and “normal” brachial arteries in the cubital fossa may be dominant, balanced, minimal, or absent. A complete radioulnar arch was found more often when the brachioradial artery was present as a variant.

Intervertebral disc pathology is a common disorder that can be caused by genetic, mechanical, and behavioral factors; however, it is possible to slow its progression. Although environmental and behavioral factors were previously considered to be the sole causes of intervertebral disc pathologies such as disc herniation, recent studies have shown that genetic factors also play an important role. This review compares the perception of major risk factors from the last and present centuries. It also examines individual genetic and non-genetic factors acting as risk factors, as well as some approaches for preventing intervertebral disc pathologies, and compares available statistics regarding disc herniation.

Background. The presented study attempts to classify individual anatomical variants of the pectoralis major muscle (PM), including rare and unusual findings. Rare cases of muscular anomalies involving the PM or its tendon have been presented. An attempt has also been made to determine whether anatomical variations of the PM may affect the innervation pattern of the lateral and medial pectoral nerves. Material and Methods. The research was carried out on 40 cadavers of both sexes (22 males, 18 females), owing to which 80 PM specimens were examined. Results. Typical PM structure was observed in 63.75% of specimens. The most frequently observed variation was a separate clavicular portion of the PM. In one female cadaver (2.5% of specimens) the hypotrophy of the clavicular portion of the PM was noticed. In two male cadavers (5% of specimens) the fusion between the clavicular portion of the PM and the deltoid muscle was observed. In one of those cadavers, small sub-branches of the lateral pectoral nerve bilaterally joined the clavicular portion of the deltoid muscle. The detailed intramuscular distribution of certain nerve sub-branches was visualized by Sihler’s stain. PM is mainly innervated by the lateral pectoral nerve. In all specimens stained by Sihler’s technique, the contribution of the intercostal nerves in PM innervation was confirmed. Conclusions. Surgeons should be aware of anatomic variations of the PM both in planning and in conducting surgeries of the pectoral region.

Klingler’s technique was discovered in the 1930s. It is a modified method of brain fixation and dissection, based on freezing and thawing of the brain tissue, subsequent peeling away of white matter fibers and the gradual exposure of white matter tracts. The added value of this technique is that it is carried out in a stratigraphic manner; This fact makes it an invaluable tool for an in-depth understanding of the complex anatomical organization of the cerebral hemispheres. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of Klingler’s method while taking into account the original description of the technique and its value for medical training. The historical background, the concise outline of white matter organization, as well as our own experience in using this procedure for research and teaching activities were also included. The fiber dissection technique may still be considered an excellent complementary research tool for neuroanatomical studies. Numerous detailed observations about the white matter topography and spatial organization have been recently made by applying this method. Using this technique may also improve understanding of the three-dimensional intrinsic structure of the brain, which is particularly important both in under- and postgraduate training in the field of neuroanatomy. Klingler’s technique was discovered in the 1930s. It is a modified method of brain fixation and dissection, based on freezing and thawing of the brain tissue, subsequent peeling away of white matter fibers and the gradual exposure of white matter tracts. The added value of this technique is that it is carried out in a stratigraphic manner; This fact makes it an invaluable tool for an in-depth understanding of the complex anatomical organization of the cerebral hemispheres. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of Klingler’s method while taking into account the original description of the technique and its value for medical training. The historical background, the concise outline of white matter organization, as well as our own experience in using this procedure for research and teaching activities were also included. The fiber dissection technique may still be considered an excellent complementary research tool for neuroanatomical studies. Numerous detailed observations about the white matter topography and spatial organization have been recently made by applying this method. Using this technique may also improve understanding of the three-dimensional intrinsic structure of the brain, which is particularly important both in under- and postgraduate training in the field of neuroanatomy.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to describe the topographical anatomy of the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves. Anatomical variations of both the intraorbital course of the 2 nerves and their relation to the supraorbital margin were analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS The research material involved 50 isolated adult cadaveric hemi-heads and 25 macerated adult skulls. All studied specimens were of Caucasian origin. RESULTS Taking into account the location of the frontal nerve division, 2 main variants of the intraorbital course of the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves were distinguished. The first variant (variant I, 42%) involved cases in which the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves branched off from the frontal nerve in the distal half of the length of the orbit. In the second variant (variant II, 58%), the frontal nerve branched into the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves in the proximal half of the orbit. Variant II was characterized by the presence of a thick supraorbital nerve and a long, tiny supratrochlear nerve. For variant I, 27.8% of the supraorbital nerves were divided into the medial and lateral branch within the orbit, whereas, for variant II, 75% of nerves were divided into the medial and lateral branch within the orbit (before crossing the supraorbital margin). Single passage was observed on the supraorbital margin in 80% of wet specimens and in 78% of orbits examined on the macerated skulls. CONCLUSIONS Both the intraorbital and extraorbital course of the branches of the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves were highly diverse. These variations should be taken into account during medical procedures performed within the orbital and frontal regions.

BACKGROUND:Knowledge of the variable relation of the persistent median artery (PMA) to the median nerve and its contribution to the formation of the superficial palmar arch is of great clinical significance. This study presents a proposal of specific...