Anatomia

Background/Objectives: Understanding anatomical variations in the abdominal vasculature, particularly of the inferior phrenic arteries (IPAs) and renal arteries (RAs), is essential in surgery and radiology, as such variations directly influence preoperative planning and therapeutic strategies. Although IPAs most commonly arise from the abdominal aorta (AA) or the celiac trunk, and RAs from the AA, anomalous origins have clinical significance, notably the emergence of the IPA from the RA. This study reports the concomitant occurrence of a triple right renal artery and the atypical origin of the ipsilateral inferior phrenic artery. Case Report: During a routine cadaveric dissection, three right renal arteries (superior, middle, and inferior) were identified in an adult male specimen, along with an anomalous origin of the right inferior phrenic artery (RIPA). The RIPA originated from the superior renal artery (SRA), ascended superolaterally to the inferior vena cava and bifurcated at the diaphragmatic dome. The SRA also gave rise to two right inferior suprarenal arteries. Conclusions: The coexistence of a triple renal artery and anomalous origin of the IPA represents an exceptionally uncommon and scarcely reported vascular configuration. This finding underscores the importance of meticulous preoperative vascular mapping, crucial for preventing intraoperative and iatrogenic complications. Broader anatomical and radiological studies are warranted to better elucidate the prevalence, developmental basis, and clinical implications of such variations.

Background/Objectives: This study explores the evolution and morphology of the human mandible, focusing on recent changes and adaptations over the last 2000 years. It aims to examine how functional, genetic, and environmental factors influence mandibular size, shape, and sexual dimorphism by analyzing key anatomical landmarks—the horizontal ramus (HR), ascending ramus (AR), and mandibular angle (MA). Methods: A retrospective approach was employed using computed tomography (CT) scans of 39 mandibular samples from various historical periods, ranging from the Roman Imperial Age to the present day. Imaging was conducted using a 64-slice multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scanner, and the resulting data were processed to generate detailed 3D reconstructions for morphological assessment. Results: The analysis reveals that present-day samples exhibit significantly less variation in AR and MA compared to archaeological specimens, suggesting a trend of gracilization over time. Statistically significant differences were found in MA, likely influenced by environmental, dietary, and cultural factors. Correlation analysis showed moderate to weak relationships between AR, HR, and MA across sample groups, with significant sexual dimorphism in AR within the archaeological sample. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further supported these findings, demonstrating a clear distinction between gracile modern mandibles and more robust ancient ones. Conclusions: These findings provide insights into the evolutionary trajectory of the human mandible, underscoring the influence of dietary and cultural shifts on mandibular structure over the past two millennia.

The mental eminence (chin) is a uniquely human anatomical feature with critical relevance across multiple domains of biomedical and anthropological research. This transdisciplinary review aims to synthesize current knowledge regarding its morphology, population variability, evolutionary origin, and surgical relevance. A comprehensive scoping review aims to map how the mental eminence has been defined and evaluated in anthropological, forensic research, identifying the main methodological approaches, anatomical landmarks, and sources of morphological variability, as well as the reliability and applicability of current assessment methods in clinical–forensic contexts. The search strategy was performed in October 2025. The authors initially identified 3125 records, and 26 studies were finally included and assessed for qualitative analysis. Moreover, the analysis integrates data from osteological collections, radiographic imaging, and modern morphometric studies. The mental eminence exhibits significant variability across human populations, with pronounced sexual dimorphism and evolutionary distinction from non-human primates. Its emergence in Homo sapiens is a key taxonomic trait. Clinically, the chin serves as a landmark in surgical procedures involving genioplasty, trauma reconstruction, and dental implantology. Recent advances in imaging and biometrics have refined its analysis in both anthropological and diagnostic contexts. Though often overlooked, mental eminence plays a vital role in craniofacial morphology and human evolution. Its study bridges osteology, anthropology, and surgery, offering insight into both phylogenetic development and applied anatomical practice. A multidisciplinary understanding of this structure enhances its diagnostic and therapeutic utility.