In the present study a brief overview of the history regarding the development of the knowledge of the macroscopic and microscopic anatomical elements of the heart along with some embryological remnants of the heart has been conducted. The evolution of the awareness as regards the various anatomical and embryonic structures of the heart began from Greek medico-philosophers, such as Hippocrates, Herophilus, Erasistratus and Galen, however, such knowledge was enpowered from the meticulous study of philosophers and physicians until the era of modern anatomy. In specific, the following anatomical and embryological structures are displayed: aortic and pulmonary valve, auricles, bundle of Kent, cardiac nerves, conduction system of the heart, ductus arteriosus, intervenous tubercle of Lower, left atrial oblique vein and ligament of Marshall, limbus of fossa ovalis, mitral and tricuspid valve, nodes or nodules of Arantius, ovate foramen, septomarginal trabecula, sinus of Valsava, small cardiac veins or vessels of Thebesius, tendinous chordae and papillary muscles, tendon of the valve of the inferior vena cava and triangle of Koch, valve of the coronary sinus, valve of the inferior vena cava. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nikolai Ivanovich Pirogov is considered one of the most important anatomists and surgeons in the history of medicine. The Russian physician conducted more than 11,000 dissections and meticulously studied human anatomy, discovering important anatomical regions such as Pirogov's triangle. Pirogov developed surgical methods and techniques used by physicians for many decades such as Pirogov's amputation. Pirogov is also known for his contribution to war medicine, given his experience practicing medicine in the Crimean War as a surgeon, where he introduced innovative methods for the treatment of injured soldiers. Pirogov’s most important contribution to the scientific community is his humanistic and democratic mentality—which he maintained until the end of his life—elements necessary for the evolution of every modern physician and scientist.

In the current cadaveric study an unusual sizeable accessory phrenic nerve (APN) was encountered emerging from the trunk of the supraclavicular nerves and forming a triangular loop that was anastomosing with the phrenic nerve. That neural loop surrounded the superficial cervical artery which displayed a spiral course. The form of a triangular loop of APN involving the aforementioned artery and originating from the supraclavicular nerve to the best of our knowledge has not been documented previously in the literature. The variable morphological features of the APN along with its clinical applications are briefly discussed.

Introduction The possible appearance of congenital fusion of the second cervical vertebra with adjacent cervical vertebrae, along with its epidemiology, embryological development, and clinical manifestations, was the aim of the current study. Methods The osteological material of 93 dried second cervical vertebrae of both sexes were examined in order to identify the likely presence of congenital fusion with the neighboring vertebrae. Results Among 93 axes, we identified one case of a congenitally fused second cervical vertebrae with the third and fourth cervical vertebrae, which accounted for a frequency of 1.08%. There was an incomplete fusion of the vertebral bodies and almost complete fusion of the laminae and facet joints. Conclusion The knowledge of such rare vertebral synostosis is crucial for the neurosurgeon, orthopedist, and physician dealing with the cervical spine, as well as the anesthetist when performing procedures, such as endotracheal intubation.